Dental Pulp Diseases

At Gateway Dental Care in Pleasanton, we take pride in providing the best care for oral complications like dental pulp diseases. Dental pulp disease is a slow but painful infection that can have many causes. If you are experiencing discomfort or suspect you may be suffering from this type of oral infection, we’re here to help.

Symptoms Of Dental Pulp Disease

Dental pulp disease can initially be caused by accidents affecting the teeth. Usually, poor oral hygiene is the main culprit, however. Symptoms that you might be suffering from dental pulp decay include:

• Noticeable Infection
• Sudden Or Sharp Pain
• Sensitivity To Cold, Hot, Or Sweet Foods
• Fever, Swelling, Or Tenderness To Gums
• Broken, Cracked, Or Discolored Teeth

What Is Dental Pulp?

The pulp of a tooth is vital to the tooth’s ability to function and live. The pulp is the core chamber at the center of each tooth and is responsible for sensory information. It is also vital to nourishing the dentin surrounding the tooth. Without a healthy pulp, your tooth begins to decay and die. There are several types of dental pulp diseases:

• Reversible Pulpitis
• Irreversible Pulpitis
• Dental Pulp Calcification
• Dental Pulp Exposure

Dental Pulp Exposure Is A Serious Problem

When your dental pulp is exposed, bacteria and other food particles can get in. An untreated cavity or a chipped tooth can cause a mild infection. Without quick dental intervention, you may experience pain and develop an abscess.

Dental Pulp Calcification Can Lead To Loss

With painful pulp calcification, the tooth pulp has hardened off. This is also known as pulp stones and can lead to necessary tooth extraction. If caught in time by our pulp disease dentist, the hardened pulp can be removed with root canal therapy.

If Treated, Pulpitis Is Reversible

Pulp inflammation (pulpitis) is reversible with prompt treatment. Reversible pulpitis is considered a mild inflammation that is most noticeable when the infected nerves come in contact with hot or cold beverages. It’s important to receive treatment as soon as you start noticing tooth sensitivity.

Ignored Pulpitis Is Irreversible

If left untreated, occasional tooth pain from pulpitis can eventually lead to abscessed teeth or a larger infection. This infection can spread to the rest of your mouth including to your jawbone in some cases. Irreversible pulpitis causes very sudden and intense pain. The only way to find relief is through thorough treatment in the office.

Always Accepting New Patients

If you’ve recently had a dental accident or discovered sensitivity to beverages, then it’s important not to hesitate. Call us today and schedule your next appointment and treat or rule out dental pulp diseases. We are conveniently located in Pleasanton’s east bay near the Hacienda Business Park. Dr. Francine Kitagawa and your friendly Gateway Dental Care staff can meet all your family’s oral health and cosmetic dental needs, including 24/7 medical emergencies and even weekend visits.