Some Systemic Conditions Can Affect Your Dental Health

The human body is unique in that endodontic health—the study and treatment of the dental pulp and tissues that surround the roots of teeth—can by significantly influenced by the body’s overall medical conditions. Understanding these interactions is crucial for dental and medical providers to deliver comprehensive care.

The office of Foundation Endodontics treats a wide spectrum of dental issues. Keeping all aspects of your mouth healthy is as important to us as it is to you. We know the significance of excellent oral health care, and all of our patients are given as much time and attention as they need.

These are some medical circumstances that can influence endodontic well-being. 

Patients with diabetes are more susceptible to infections due to impaired immune response, decreased salivary flow and increased glucose levels in oral tissues. These three circumstances create an environment for pathogenic bacteria. Chronic hyperglycemia can lead to vascular changes that reduce blood supply to the dental pulp; this compromises its ability to heal after an injury or infection.

The inflammatory processes associated with hypertension and atherosclerosis can lead to systemic inflammation that might worsen periodontal diseases. Chronic periodontitis can spread infection to the dental pulp and lead to pulpitis and a potential for endodontic treatment.

Osteoporosis can complicate root canal therapy and an apicoectomy (surgery that removes the tip of a tooth’s root to clean and seal the root canal) because it makes the surrounding bone fragile. Also, medications that treat and prevent osteoporosis can lead to the death of jawbone tissue due to a lack of blood flow, particularly following invasive dental treatments.

Rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus involve the body’s immune system attacking its own tissues, including those in the oral cavity. These conditions can cause dry mouth due to decreased salivary gland function. Dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and endodontic infections because saliva buffers acids and provides antimicrobial action.

Systemic conditions have a profound impact on endodontic health by influencing the susceptibility to infections, healing capacity and overall oral health. If you have a systemic condition, it’s crucial to tell your endodontist and other dental caregivers before any treatment. 

At the office of Foundation Endodontics, we are passionate about treating all endodontic aspects of your dental health. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for an appointment.