Does root canal treatment for pulpitis hurt?

Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
Updated on January 29, 2025
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During the treatment process of pulpitis root canal, there will be some pain. Pulpitis is caused by bacterial infection that leads to inflammation of the dental nerve, and the pain is very intense. First, the ocular nerve should be treated, and pulp extraction can be performed under local anesthesia. During this stage, if anesthetic is administered, the pain will not be so apparent. If no local anesthesia is applied, it is still possible to proceed directly with opening the pulp chamber, but there will be intense pain at the moment of opening. After opening the pulp chamber, the pressure is relieved, and the pain symptoms of pulpitis often can be alleviated. Additionally, medication can be sealed into the root canal, and after controlling the inflammation, the root canal can be filled. During the process of sealing medication and filling the root canal, stimulation of the root apex area may cause discomfort in that area.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
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Can pulpitis heal by itself?

Pulpitis can pathologically be divided into reversible pulpitis and irreversible pulpitis. Reversible pulpitis can sometimes heal on its own if external thermal stimuli are removed. Clinically, it may manifest as pain intensified by temperature stimuli, which disappears after the stimuli are removed. This condition can improve on its own with appropriate soothing treatment. If pulpitis progresses to irreversible pulpitis, it cannot heal on its own and requires prompt root canal treatment to alleviate the condition. If it worsens, it may lead to symptoms of apical periodontitis, hence root canal treatment needs to be performed as soon as possible for pulpitis.

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What are the symptoms of pulpitis?

Pulpitis is a painful condition that occurs due to bacterial infection of the dental pulp tissue. Pulpitis has its own typical symptoms, including pain triggered by temperature changes. Eating foods that are cold, hot, sour, or sweet can cause severe pain in the dental nerves. Additionally, temperature stimuli intensify the pain; both cold and hot water can cause tooth pain. During the acute suppurative phase, there is pain with heat and relief with cold, meaning drinking hot water causes pain, whereas drinking cold water can alleviate it. Another typical characteristic of pulpitis includes nighttime pain; often there is less pain during the day, but at night or after falling asleep, the pain can awaken the individual from sleep.

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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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Can pulpitis be treated by tooth extraction?

Pulpitis should not be treated by extraction. Pulpitis is simply a painful response caused by an infection of the pulp tissue and can be managed by preserving the tooth through root canal treatment. First, drill to remove the infected dental tissue, and when the dental nerve is exposed, apply a nerve-killing medication. After the nerve is destroyed, thoroughly remove the infected tissue, then seal the root canal, and after inflammation is controlled, fill the root canal. With treatment, it is possible to preserve teeth with pulpitis and extraction should not be performed. Removing a tooth during an active episode of pulpitis may lead to the systemic spread of inflammation.

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Is pulpitis suitable for bloodletting?

Bleeding for pulpitis is useless, and dental treatment is necessary. In the early stages of pulpitis, the pulp can be soothed, which is often seen in reversible pulpitis, and early soothing can relieve pain. Sometimes the pulp can revert to a normal state. If it's the late stage, the tissue pressure inside the pulp is relatively high; in this case, pulp opening can be performed to relieve pressure, and dental treatment is necessary, as bleeding is useless. If the tooth undergoes fundamental treatment promptly in the early stages of pulpitis, the inflammation of the pulp can be controlled in time. Otherwise, further development may lead to inflammation of the root tip. Apical inflammation can sometimes result in abscesses or even facial swelling.