Pulpitis: causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is pulpitis?

Pulpitis is the leading cause of toothache and tooth loss in younger people. Pulpitis is an inflammation of the tooth pulp (the innermost part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels) and the periradicular tissue that surrounds the root of the tooth.

This condition can be acute or chronic, with or without symptoms. In some cases, this condition can be treated. However, if it is severe, the inflammation of the tooth pulp cannot be cured as before.

How common is pulpitis?

This condition is quite common. It often occurs in patients who do not maintain dental and oral hygiene as well as patients with medical incisions in the oral cavity.

In addition to causing pain and discomfort, inflammation of the dental pulp can spread and lead to potentially life-threatening complications, such as infection of the deep fascial spaces of the head and neck.

Pulpitis can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of pulpitis?

Pulpitis can cause less pain that occurs only with eating, or pain that is more severe and can occur throughout the day and night.

Common, less serious symptoms of pulpitis are:

A sharp and intense stabbing pain
The pain subsides quickly when triggers (such as foods that are too sweet or hot) are removed from the teeth or mouth

Generally, this condition can progress from a mild condition to a serious one. Other serious symptoms of pulpitis include:

A throbbing pain
Pain lasts from a few minutes to several hours
Pain can appear suddenly or from eating hot or cold food
Pain may appear or get worse in certain postures, for example when you duck
In advanced stages, the periodontal ligament is affected and pain usually appears in one place only
Pain usually gets worse at night

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above, especially in chronic pulpitis. Attacks can appear quickly with pain in the tooth to the formation of pus and tissue swelling. These conditions require a different diagnosis and treatment.

Inflammation of the dental pulp is also associated with several systemic disorders, such as fever of unknown origin, bacterial growth on heart valves and prosthetic devices, premature birth in children with low birth weight, and an increased risk of coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular conditions.

If you have concerns about certain symptoms, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Pain is not localized only to the teeth
Pain is constant and throbbing, feels worse when lying down
Tooth pain feels sharp and piercing when there is hot or cold stimulation
Clear discoloration of teeth
Swelling of the gums or face in the area of the tooth

If the pain feels like it's subsiding a little but doesn't go away, you may have a chronic condition. One of the symptoms is pain that occurs suddenly or does not go away a few minutes after the stimulation is eliminated.

Cause

What causes pulpitis?

Pulpitis occurs when the protective enamel and dentin layers of the pulp are damaged. When this protective layer is damaged, bacteria can easily enter and cause swelling.

Pulpitis is not only caused by bacteria, but can also occur as a result of trauma or injury to the tooth or jaw that opens the pulp cavity and causes bacteria to enter.

Some of the causes of pulpitis are as follows:

Bacterial infection
Injury during dental and mouth surgery
Trauma to the teeth, for example due to tooth abrasion or bruxism
Tooth deformities

Triggers

What puts me at risk for dental pulp inflammation?

Children and adults have a higher risk of developing pulpitis. However, everything is determined by the quality of dental care and oral hygiene habits.

There are many factors that trigger inflammatory conditions in the tooth pulp, including:

Poor oral hygiene
Too often consume foods and drinks that are high in sugar
Eating foods and drinks that are too hot or cold

Diagnosis and Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is dental pulp inflammation diagnosed?

Pulpitis is usually diagnosed by a dentist. Your doctor may order a dental X-ray to determine the extent of tooth decay and inflammation.

Inflammation of the dental pulp can also be found or diagnosed in the following ways:

Percussion test. Percussion is an examination that is carried out by giving a quick but not hard hit. When performing the test, the doctor must pay attention to the patient's movements when feeling pain.
Palpation test. Palpation is an examination by means of palpation. Used to determine acute or chronic conditions, determine the temperature in the sore area, how hard or soft a swelling is, and the presence or absence of a fracture.
Electrical pulp test. This check uses a device that delivers different high frequency electric currents.
Dental radiography. Can only detect damage that already involves the medullary bone and cortical. Used to check for caries, poor restoration and past root canal treatment.
Heat and cold sensitivity test

How to treat pulpitis?

A diagnosis of mild pulpitis indicates that the pulp can fully recover if the cause is corrected. Some of the treatments and treatments for pulpitis that can be taken are:

Treatment: remove existing caries, put in a suitable pulp protector, and permanent restoration is carried out.
Treatment for serious dental pulp inflammation: involves root canal treatment or tooth extraction surgery.