How does the dental pulp become infected, and what can be done, besides a root canal, to deal with the problem?

The pulp can be damaged by trauma such as blunt force, decay (a big cavity) or wear over time, causing a lack of tooth structure to protect the pulp.

The most common way for the pulp to become infected is from an untreated cavity. A cavity is formed by acid. Inside everyone's mouth is a legion of bacteria - they are completely normal and there is nothing one can do about them. Some of these bacteria metabolize (eat) carbohydrate-containing foods or beverages and make acid as a by-product. The acid is strong enough to eat through the enamel and dentin. If left untreated, it will eventually expose the underlying pulp to the bacteria inside the mouth, resulting in an infection.

The pulp can also get infected from trauma to the tooth. A blow to a tooth can compromise the blood supply to the tooth from the jawbone, and cause the pulp tissue to die either immediately or to slowly degenerate.

A third way a tooth can become infected is if there is long standing periodontal (gum) disease around the tooth. Bacteria from the infected gums can enter the tooth through small openings on the root surface (accessory canals) or through the apex (tip of the root) and cause infection.

While pain killers and antibiotics can relieve the pain and discomfort temporarily, they are not an acceptable solution or substitute for a root canal. In many cases the pain of a tooth which needs a root canal cannot be quelled by any medicine no matter how strong.

The only alternative to a root canal treatment in a tooth which requires it, is an extraction or “pulling” of the offending tooth and replacing it with a bridge, denture or implant and crown, which is a more expensive treatment.

The single most important benefit of root canal therapy is that you keep your tooth. Extraction may lead to other dental problems. For instance, drifting of teeth, bite problems and the need to "drill" adjacent teeth that do not otherwise need dental treatment in order to restore the missing tooth may be required if the offending tooth is extracted.

If you still want to avoid a root canal, then the best way to avoid it is to take care of your teeth by applying proper oral hygiene. The teeth also benefit when we carefully eat foods that keep our body in balance. Following a diet of cutting back on sugars, eating a balanced diet, and eating whole foods will keep your teeth healthy, and you will be less likely to need a root canal.



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