1-6.
SUPPURATION
Suppuration is the formation of pus. It often accompanies inflammation and
retards the healing process. Pus is composed of leukocytes, broken-down cells, serum,
bacteria (dead or alive), and inflammatory debris.
1-7.
ABSCESS
An abscess is a circumscribed area of pus surrounded by a restraining wall of
tissue. A narrow tube or channel that often develops to afford drainage of the abscess
is called a sinus track. A periapical abscess is a collection of pus at the apex of the
tooth. It is caused by the spread of infection through the apical foramen of the tooth to
the periapical tissues. A periodontal abscess is a collection of pus along the sides of
the tooth but usually not involving the apical area. It may be caused by a foreign object
forced into the periodontal tissues. Abscesses are often clinically manifested by
swelling.
1-8.
ULCER
An ulcer is an open sore other than a wound. The base of an ulcer is composed
of granulation tissue (wound repair tissue) resulting from the body's attempt at healing
and repair.
1-9.
CELLULITIS
Cellulitis occurs when inflammation is not controlled and contained within a
localized area and spreads through the substance of the tissue or organ. In cellulitis,
swelling usually develops rapidly in conjunction with a high fever. The skin usually
becomes very red and the area is characterized by severe throbbing pain as the
inflammation localizes. The condition is often associated with periapical, periodontal, or
pericoronal infections.
1-10. REPAIR OF TISSUES
a. General. The capacity of the human body to restore damaged tissues to
health varies with the particular type of tissue or cells involved. Worn-out cells are
replaced and tissues rebuilt as a normal physiological process to bring about the growth
and repair of the body as a whole. Once tissue injury has been controlled by the
inflammatory process, wound repair can begin. Cells in the area of the injury proliferate,
organizing to return the tissue to its original form with resumption of previous function.
The process of healing is fundamentally the same in all damaged tissues. It consists of
two parts. First is the removal of inflammatory material and necrotic debris. The
second part, as much as possible, is the replacement or reconstruction of the original
tissue.
MD0511
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