Tooth decay can result in inflammation in the dental pulp – which is the innermost part of the tooth. Trying to avoid this is crucial, as it usually requires a Root Canal treatment. Now, a research team has looked at how the mechanisms involved in dental inflammation and root damage can be impacted by various situations. This is an important subject area to review.
Recent research has yielded discoveries regarding the mechanisms involved in dental pulp inflammation and root damage [1].
These discoveries will enable a search to take place for medications that can stop bone loss, when a tooth becomes impacted by endodontic infection.
What is the dental pulp?
The dental pulp refers to the innermost part of the tooth. Therefore, it sits below both enamel and dentin, and contains blood vessels, tissues and nerves.
When teeth become decayed, it can result in a tooth’s pulp becoming inflamed. This often advances to the stage where there is an infection at the root of a tooth, which is known as an abscess.
When this happens, a root canal treatment is normally needed to save the tooth. This is a more complex dental procedure that rarely provides permanent results [2].
The Research
The results involving the mechanisms involved in dental pulp inflammation and root damage have come from two research papers [1].
Both studies were published in the Journal of Endodontics [1]. They both used the key element of the aforementioned mechanisms as a basis for their studies.
The key element is tumor necrosis factor-a receptor-1 (TNFR1), which, when binding to the cytokine TNF-a, causes inflammation to develop [1].
The researchers used various situations to experiment this element. This is where the two studies took different approaches – although both involved analyzing the pathway between TNFR1 and TNF-a.
In the first study, the researchers looked to see how the pathway reacted to dental pulp capping – which is a procedure where bioactive materials are placed over an exposed pulp, thereby encouraging healing [3].
They found that when TNFR1 is altered, it results in inflammation and subsequent bone loss [3]. It can result in severe problems, including rapid demineralization.
The team used a mouse that was deficient in TNFR1 to discover this. They took tissues at both 7 and 70 days, which resulted in an analysis taking place, helping them to reach their conclusion.
In the second study, the researchers investigated how the pathway reacted following root canal contamination [4]. This effectively involves a situation where a person has root canal but the pulp becomes contaminated.
They found that the pathway reacted well. Furthermore, they demonstrated that when the pathway blocks the presence of microorganisms, the number of issues can be reduced [4].
The researchers found that the pathway could assist in protecting against inflammation and bone loss – which is crucial in oral health [4].
After analyzing these situations, the research team concluded that the difference between these situations was the presence of microorganisms [1].
The next steps
The research team are hoping that now that there is a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in inflammation of the dental pulp, that it could be possible to search for a medicine that can assist with stopping bone loss [1].
Paula Silva, who took part in both studies, said that the group “realized from these research findings that a treatment protocol could be developed” – which he suggested was “a very interesting target” they aim to reach in the future [1].
While such creations are likely to be quite some time away, this research has helped scientists to understand what is involved in dental pulp inflammation. Therefore, this can help with future research and the potential development of a medicine to target these issues.
Thinking points…
1) The research looked at the topic of dental pulp inflammation. Tooth decay is the main cause of this. If you don’t catch tooth decay early, it can eventually result in the pulp becoming inflamed. Therefore, rather than a simple cavity filling being needed, it can require a root canal treatment. Make sure you look after your teeth and visit a dental clinic at the first sign of decay!
2) Following on from the above point, it is very important that you attend dental check-ups on a regular basis. Here at Savanna Dental, we recommend that you go to a dental clinic at least once every six months. This will enable any issues to be identified and then treated. We recommend booking an appointment now!
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
References
[1] Constantino, L. (2023). Discovery of mechanism involved in dental inflammation paves way to therapies against bone loss. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-10-discovery-mechanism-involved-dental-inflammation.html. Last accessed: 9th October 2023.
[2] Watson, S. (2021). Tooth Pulp Function and Inflammation. Available: https://www.verywellhealth.com/tooth-pulp-dental-terms-1059180. Last accessed: 9th October 2023.
[3] de Almeida-Junior, L. A., Araujo, L. D. C., Lamarque, G. C. C., Arnez, M. F. M., Kapila, Y. L., da Silva, L. A. B., & de Paula-Silva, F. W. G. (2023). Reparative Dentin Formation Following Dental Pulp Capping is Mediated by TNFR1 In Vivo. Journal of Endodontics. 49 (10): p1329-1336. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2023.06.015.
[4] de Almedia-Junior, L. A., de Carvalho, M. S., Almeida, L. K. Y., Silva, R. A. B., Silva, L. A. B., & de Paula-Silva, F. W. G. (2023). TNF-α–TNFR1 Signaling Mediates Inflammation and Bone Resorption in Apical Periodontitis. Journal of Endodontics. 49 (10): p1319-1328. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2023.07.013.
