How did the inner portion of my tooth become infected?
Our teeth are very strong, and allow us to chew a large variety of food. In fact, enamel is the hardest biological material, comprised mostly of calcium. However, they are also exposed to things that can cause damage. From bacteria to fracture or breakage, teeth can be vulnerable to harm.
Our teeth are constantly subject to decay-causing bacteria. This bacteria feeds on the sugar found in plaque and then emits an acid that breaks down enamel, this process is often referred to as a cavity. Beginning and maintaining a daily hygiene plan of brushing, flossing, and rinsing, can significantly decrease your chances of developing a cavity, but spots can still be missed. As the decay eats away at the enamel, a hole is opened up exposing the inner dentin of the tooth. Bacteria can even move through the dentin reaching the inner pulp of the tooth, causing an infection at the root.
Once the root is infected, your options become very limited. Your body is incapable of healing the root; the infection will continue to rage. What many patients are unaware of is the tiny branches that extend from one tooth to the next, the infection can travel these roots infecting nearby teeth as well. The results can be severe damage. When the root is infected, the patient has two options, the removal of the tooth or root canal therapy. We always recommend taking every effort to save a natural tooth structure before considering extraction.