An Unhealthy Tooth

The health of your tooth depends in large part on the health of your pulp. If it is inflamed or infected, your pulp is unable to nourish your tooth properly. If left untreated, the infection may even spread to your bone (abscess).

Bacteria can invade your tooth through a loose filling, a cavity, or a crack.

Your pulp becomes inflamed (irritated) and infected as it is attacked by bacteria. Eventually, the bacteria may destroy the pulp.

The inflammation and infection spread down the root canal, often causing sensitivity to hot or cold foods, throbbing, aching, or pain when you chew.

Your bone may become infected and abscessed as the bacteria escapes through the root openings. The bone breaks down, and your periodontal ligaments may swell and loosen your tooth.

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