The number one cause of tooth pain, tooth decay, and other conditions that harm oral health is poor dental care. Failing to maintain proper oral hygiene and routine visits to your dentist here at Lakeside Dental in North Salt Lake City, UT, Dr. Spencer Luke, could result in plaque buildup and cavities.

Left unaddressed, cavities will eventually impact your tooth pulp and root canals, which houses delicate nerves and sensitive blood vessels and result in pulp diseases. Left untreated, these diseases can then result in tooth loss.

Pulp Diseases: Warning Signs and Types

Symptoms of pulp diseases differ in severity, based on which type the disease is, and typically include:

• Intense and sudden pain
• Pain and sensitivity in the affected tooth when eating cold, hot, or sweet foods
• Infection
  
  

Pulp diseases include the following:

• Reversible Pulpitis: This is mild pulp inflammation due to a fracture or a crack in the tooth. Left untreated, it can result in a dental abscess. In some cases, proper oral hygiene could offset this condition. Otherwise, a filling will be used to prevent further damage.
• Dental Pulp Stones: This causes the pulp tissue to calcify or harden. Root canal therapy is needed to remove the calcified tissue.
• Dental Pulp Exposure: This pulp disease develops when a fracture or cavity in the tooth’s external covering exposes the pulp to irritating food debris and bacteria. Your dentist in North Salt Lake City, UT, might recommend a dental filling, root canal therapy, or tooth extraction depending on the condition’s severity.
• Irreversible Pulpitis: This could cause widespread infection of the connective tissues and gums. A root canal can be used to manage the condition during the disease’s earlier stages. Otherwise, tooth extraction may be necessary.

Treating Pulp Diseases: The Importance of Root Canal Therapy

Leaving a damaged or infected tooth pulp untreated could result in a severe infection that could, in turn, spread to nearby tissue and eventually the jawbone. One of the most effective ways to manage pulp diseases is through root canal therapy. This involves a deep cleaning of the root canals and removal of infected pulp tissues to stop the disease from progressing.

Likewise, it’s vital to note that while some pulp infections may result from tooth injuries or trauma, most infections are actually a result of poor oral care practices. By going to routine dental visits and proper oral care, you reduce the chances of developing a pulp disease.

For Questions, Concerns, or Advice on Root Canal Therapy or Pulp Diseases, Call Us

Schedule a consultation here at Lakeside Dental in North Salt Lake City, UT, with your dentist, Dr. Spencer Luke, by dialing (801) 596-3000.