What you need to know about pulpitis to keep your teeth healthy

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

This condition is easier to prevent than to cure.

What is pulpitis

Pulpitis Pulpitis is an inflammation of the pulp, the inner part of the tooth, located deep under the enamel and dentin.

The pulp is a loose connective tissue, inside of which there are blood vessels that feed the tooth, lymphatic vessels, as well as a huge number of nerve endings. With inflammation, their work is disrupted, and the tooth may die. But this is not the only problem.

What is the danger of pulpitis

If the inflammation of the pulp is left untreated, the Pulpitis infection can go down to the gum and affect the tissues surrounding the tooth root. A pocket filled with pus will appear near the root - this is how a disease called periodontitis develops. It is dangerous by further destruction of the gums and even the jaw.

In addition, there is a risk that the infection will enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body. Complications of pulpitis include:

• purulent sinusitis;
• meningitis;
• brain abscess;
• angina of Ludwig;
• pericarditis (inflammation of the outer lining of the heart);
• empyema (accumulation of pus in various organs);
• jugular vein thrombosis.

What is pulpitis

Depending on how badly the pulp is damaged, dentists distinguish between two types of inflammation.

• Reversible pulpitis. Such a diagnosis means that inflammation can be cured and the teeth can be restored to health.
• Irreversible pulpitis. They say about him if the pulp has suffered so much that it is no longer possible to restore it completely.

There is another way to classify - according to the severity of the problem:

• Acute pulpitis. A sharp pain in the tooth occurs suddenly, but does not last long, although the attacks can recur over and over again during the day.
• Chronic pulpitis. It makes itself felt with less intense, but constant aching pain.

What are the symptoms of pulpitis

They depend on the type of inflammation. Here are the signs that occur with any pulpitis.

• Pain in the affected tooth. Its strength and duration depend on whether you are dealing with acute or chronic pulpitis. However, sometimes inflammation can be painless. Is pulpitis painful? - PubMed - this happens especially often in patients over 53 years old.
• Hypersensitivity of the tooth to cold or hot food (drinks).
• Sensitive to sweets.

Acute and irreversible pulpitis manifests itself as additional symptoms: swelling of the gums around the tooth, fever, unpleasant putrid odor from the mouth. It is possible to assume these forms of the disease by the fact that the pain intensifies in the supine position.

Where does pulpitis come from?

Most often, pulpitis is one of the complications of caries. If the holes in the teeth are not treated, over time they increase in size, corrode not only the enamel, but also the dentin, and give bacteria access to the pulp.

However, tooth decay is not the only possible cause of Pulpitis pulpitis. Here are a few more:

• Cracked or broken tooth exposing the pulp.
• Increased tooth wear, which can be caused by aggressive brushing or the use of toothpastes with coarse abrasive elements.
• Bruxism. This is the name for uncontrolled teeth grinding. Most often, bruxism occurs during sleep. The teeth rub against each other, this leads to the destruction of the enamel.
• Malocclusion. It can cause increased wear and tear on some teeth.

What to do if you suspect you have pulpitis

See your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you diagnose pulp inflammation and start treatment, the cheaper it will cost you and the more chances you will be able to save the tooth.

In addition, untreated pulpitis remains a focus of chronic inflammation in the body. This can lead to unpleasant consequences such as a constant low-grade fever or much more serious complications, which we wrote about above.

How to treat pulpitis

It depends on whether the inflammation is reversible or not. To find out what type of pulpitis your dentist is, the dentist will perform a tap test and suggest that you take an X-ray of the tooth. An electrical test may be required: the doctor will pass a weak electric current through the tooth to find out if the nerve is alive.

How to treat reversible pulpitis

The dentist will thoroughly clean all cavities in the tooth and place a filling that will protect the pulp from bacteria. If the pulpitis is caused by a crack, a crown will be placed on the tooth.

How to treat irreversible pulpitis

Since the pulp cannot be restored in this case, the dentist will remove it along with the canal. Then the canal is filled, and the dilapidated tooth, if necessary, is covered with a crown.

If the damage is too great, the tooth will have to be removed completely. Later, you will need to install a prosthesis, dental bridge or implant in its place.

How to prevent pulpitis

There are only two really effective guidelines.

Take care of your teeth

Your task is to prevent the development of tooth decay. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss, avoid foods high in sugar or acid, and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dry mouth.

Get regular checkups with your dentist

The specialist will be able to detect caries, chipping or the smallest crack on the tooth in time and, if necessary, will prescribe procedures that can stop the destruction of tooth enamel. It is ideal to visit the dentist at least once or twice a year.