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ALVEOLAR ABSCESS. 297 ;

formation of alveolar abscess, rather than the con-

dition just referred to; a description and treatment
of which will next receive consideration.

ALVEOLAR ABSCESS.

Alveolar abscess is a result or consequence of per-

iostitis, and consists of a pus secreting sac, on the
root, usually at or near the point, but sometimes upon
one side. The secretions of these sacs differ in
character, according to the different conditions of the
parts together with systemic influences. Sometimes,
the discharge from these sacs is through the root
sometimes from between the tooth and alveolus ; and
sometimes, directly through the alveolus and gums.
There are occasional cases in which the discharge
will be at a very considerable distance from the
point of secretion ; but, in such cases, the secretion
always follows some natural avenue that affords a

facility for its passage—as, for instance, along a
suture. There are cases recorded where the issue
from an abscess of the central incisor was near the
posterior portion of the hard palate ; and, in these,
the channel of the pus lay along the suture of the
palate bones. Sometimes, the opening from an ab-
scess of the first or second molar will be opposite the
bicuspids on the buccal portion of the gum. Alveolar