How Does the Pulp Become Inflamed?

If cavities in the enamel are left untreated, they progress into the dentin layer beneath the enamel. Although the dentin layer alerts us through pain, if the decay is still not treated, microorganisms begin to move toward the pulp. At this point, the pulp activates various defense mechanisms, one of which is signaling pain to warn us.

Another way inflammation occurs in the pulp is through trauma. An impact to the tooth can cause the blood vessels and nerves entering the tooth from the root tip to rupture, leading to the loss of vitality of the tooth. The addition of microorganisms in any way can then result in pulp inflammation.

How Can You Tell if a Tooth Is Infected?

Pain in response to cold or hot foods and drinks can indicate inflammation or the early stages of an infection. Additionally, excessive discoloration of a tooth may also be a sign of inflammation.

In cases where decay has reached the pulp and the tooth remains untreated, the infection can spread from the root tip to the jawbone, causing small or large swellings on the face. Alongside the dental procedures performed by your dentist, antibiotics may also be used to help combat the infection.

A common belief is that a tooth causing facial swelling must be extracted after the swelling subsides. However, this is an outdated idea. Even teeth that cause large infections can often be saved with root canal treatment and can continue to serve you in the mouth for many years, just like healthy teeth.