After any dental procedure, infection is something a dentist will work to prevent. By using sterile procedures, instruments and educating the patient on what they can and can’t do after the procedure, can go a long way to prevent infection. However, when infection does occur, a quick response is necessary. Bacterial leakage around dental restorations can have a significant impact on the surrounding dental pulp. The dental pulp is the innermost part of the tooth and is a living tissue — it’s filled with blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. This is in part what makes dental work so painful. It’s critical for periodontists and dentists to choose dental materials for restoration that are compatible with the pulp. When the materials aren’t compatible, the surrounding area of the mouth can become irritated and inflamed, resulting in bacterial leakage. Bacterial leakage can cause infection and implant failure if not handled quickly.