What is pulpitis?

Written by Li Bao Hua

Dentistry

Updated on September 09, 2024

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Pulpitis is also an inflammatory reaction occurring in the pulp tissue, caused by the further infection of bacteria when tooth decay is not timely halted, and it represents the natural conclusion of tooth decay. The dental tissues are divided into enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp tissue, with the pulp tissue located on the innermost side, which is commonly referred to as the dental nerve. If the bacterial infection is not promptly halted in the early stages within the hard tissues of the tooth, that is, if the tooth is not filled in time, the bacteria then further infect the innermost pulp tissue, causing inflammation of the pulp tissue, which is clinically referred to as pulpitis. Pulpitis involves severe pain, necessitating prompt root canal treatment for the tooth.

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Written by Li Bao Hua

Dentistry

58sec

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Late-stage consequences of pulpitis

Pulpitis is a severe pain manifestation caused by bacterial infection of the dental pulp tissue. If pulpitis is not treated in a timely manner, and it develops to a late stage, it might intensify the pain. In the early stages, the pain may only occur when eating or due to temperature sensitivity. In the later stages of pulpitis, spontaneous pain may occur, meaning that the teeth may hurt without any external stimuli, or symptoms of nighttime pain might appear, often causing pain at night or pain that can awaken someone from sleep. In its late stages, pulpitis can also develop into pus formation in the pulp tissue, also known as suppurative pulpitis, characterized by pain relief with cold and exacerbation with heat, meaning that cold water can relieve the pain, while hot water can worsen it.

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Written by Li Bao Hua

Dentistry

55sec

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Does pulpitis require dental fillings?

Pulpitis requires dental restoration. Pulpitis, caused by bacterial infection reaching the dental nerve, manifests as severe pain, including sensitivity to hot and cold, nocturnal pain, and diffuse pain that cannot be localized. Typically, pulpitis in one tooth can cause pain in the adjacent upper and lower teeth on the same side, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact tooth responsible. Before performing dental restoration for pulpitis, treatment of the tooth is necessary. This includes removing the infected dental nerve, followed by medication within the root canal and controlling the inflammation. Afterward, the root canal is filled. Thus, root canal treatment is required before dental restoration can proceed in cases of pulpitis.

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Written by Wang Peng

Dentistry

47sec

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Difference between toothache due to excessive internal heat and pulpitis

Toothache caused by "excessive internal heat" usually refers to periodontal abscess or acute exacerbation of periodontal disease, whereas pulpitis involves an irreversible inflammatory reaction within the dental pulp inside the root of the tooth, and these two conditions are very different. Toothache from "excessive internal heat" related to periodontal swelling and pain refers to inflammation of the gums around the tooth. Pulpitis, on the other hand, involves inflammation of the nerves inside the tooth; thus, their specific locations are different. Toothache caused by "excessive internal heat" typically gives a feeling of the tooth being loose, but pulpitis results in localized tooth pain, which is difficult to pinpoint and can sometimes extend to include facial and head areas, presenting as radiating pain.

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Written by Fang Xiao

Dentistry

1min 9sec

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The result of worsening pulpitis.

Pulpitis refers to the inflammatory lesion that occurs in the dental pulp tissue. The dental pulp mainly consists of loose connective tissue that includes nerves and blood vessels, and is located inside the pulp chamber of a tooth. Hard tissue diseases of the tooth such as deep caries and wedge-shaped defects can induce pulpitis if not effectively treated and controlled. Pulpitis is a disease caused by bacterial infection of the dental pulp. If pulpitis is not treated over a long period, it can lead to periapical periodontitis. Severe inflammation can cause space infections in the oral maxillofacial region and inflammation of the jawbone, potentially leading to systemic bacteremia or inflammation of other organs. Therefore, it is crucial to perform systematic root canal treatment for pulpitis as early as possible to avoid pain. It also helps to preserve the affected tooth, control the progression of pulpitis, and prevent it from developing into periapical periodontitis or even necessitating tooth extraction.

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Written by Tian Hua

Otolaryngology

49sec

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How is pulpitis treated?

Pulpitis is an emergency in dentistry, and different types of pulpitis require different treatment methods. The first step in treating pulpitis is to administer anesthesia, and if time allows, root canal treatment should be completed in one session. Root canal treatment involves removing and cleaning the dental nerve inside the root canal in one go, then using dental cement and paste to fill the root canal, thereby inhibiting bacterial growth and reproduction. Generally, three to four root canal treatments are needed. Medication treatments include cephalosporins, erythromycin, and pain relievers to alleviate pain. Additionally, tooth extraction may be advised for severe inflammation and poor dental condition.