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Pulp Disease Should Never Be Left Untreated

Pulp Disease Should Never Be Left Untreated

If you are experiencing sensitivity to certain foods and drinks, you may be dealing with more than tooth sensitivity. Your dentist explains that sudden and intense pain when you chew on something hot, cold, or sweet could be signaling pulp disease.

Although an injury or a broken tooth can cause some types of pulp disease, the majority of pulp diseases are caused by poor dental hygiene. The American Dental Association states that pulp disease results from oral health habits. See your dentist regularly, brush twice and floss once a day and eat a healthy diet loaded with fruits and veggies and calcium rich foods and you can help prevent pulp disease.

Your dentist explains that untreated cavities will eventually affect the pulp or soft center in your tooth. Your pulp is filled with blood vessels, tissue and sensitive nerves that when diseased could eventually lead to tooth loss.

Although there are several different types of pulp disease, the four most common are Reversible Pulpitis, Irreversible Pulpitis, Dental Pulp Calcification, and Dental Pulp Exposure.

You probably have Reversible Pulpitis if you experience temperature sensitivity or pain when you eat or drink something cold, hot, or very sweet. Reversible Pulpitis is actually an inflammation in the pulp and if left untreated can result in a dental abscess. Practice good oral hygiene and you may be able to help improve the Reversible Pulpitis. However, it is imperative that you see your dentist who may have to fill the tooth.

If you have a severe inflammation inside of your tooth that cannot be cured, your dentist will diagnose you with Irreversible Pulpitis. Sudden and intense pains are the main symptoms of Irreversible Pulpitis. Your dentist will recommend root canal therapy to prevent further infection.

Dental Pulp Calcification is a condition that can be extremely painful as the pulp tissue hardens inside of the tooth causing the nerves to become compressed. Root Canal therapy may help in order to clear away the calcified tissue also called Dental Pulp Stones.

If you have a cracked tooth, a leaky filling, or a cavity, you may be exposing the pulp in your teeth. If the enamel, or external covering, has been damaged, food particles and bacteria can infect and irritate the pulp causing intense pain. Your dentist will determine whether you require a simple filling, root canal therapy, or an extraction.  

Pulp Disease can be prevented if you practice good oral hygiene, maintain a healthy diet, and schedule regular dental checkups. Schedule your dental appointment today.