What is a diseased dental pulp?

Dental pulp is the soft tissue inside the root canal of a tooth. It contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp is diseased, it can cause pain, inflammation, and infection.

The most common causes of a diseased dental pulp are:

* Untreated tooth decay. When bacteria from tooth decay reach the pulp, they can cause inflammation and infection.

* A cracked or broken tooth. A crack or break in the tooth can allow bacteria to enter the pulp and cause infection.

* A deep filling or crown. A deep filling or crown can irritate the pulp and cause inflammation.

* Trauma to the tooth. A blow to the tooth can damage the pulp and cause inflammation and infection.

Symptoms of a diseased dental pulp can include:

* Toothache. The pain may be sharp, throbbing, or aching. It may be constant or intermittent.

* Sensitivity to hot or cold. The tooth may be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures.

* Swelling of the gums. The gums around the affected tooth may be red, swollen, and tender.

* Pus discharge. Pus may drain from the affected tooth.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Treatment for a diseased dental pulp may include:

* Root canal therapy. Root canal therapy is a procedure in which the diseased pulp is removed from the root canal and the canal is filled with a sealer.

* Extraction. If the tooth is too badly damaged to be saved, it may need to be extracted.

Early diagnosis and treatment of a diseased dental pulp can help to prevent pain and further damage to the tooth.