The pulp is the soft inner tissue of the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Pulpitis is an inflammation of the pulp, which typically occurs due to irritation inside the tooth, for example, as a result of deep caries. 

Types of pulpitis 

There are two main types of pulpitis, classified according to the degree of infection: 

1. Reversible pulpitis: At this early stage, the inflammation is reversible if the dentist restores the tooth and seals it with a filling. 

2. Irreversible pulpitis: At this stage, the inflammation is more severe, and the tooth can no longer be restored. The pulp tissue eventually dies, which is called pulp necrosis. 

Causes of pulpitis 

The hard enamel of the tooth protects the pulp. If the enamel is damaged, it can lead to pulpitis. Causes of damage include: 

- Caries: Bacteria in the mouth produce acid that destroys the enamel and creates holes. 

- Cracks: Small cracks can appear as a result of chewing hard food or tooth trauma. 

- Dental procedures: Tooth treatment can lead to pulpitis, especially if the filling is not properly sealed. 

- Enamel wear: Bruxism or aggressive brushing can cause  enamel wear, which makes the nerve more sensitive to inflammation. 

How is pulpitis diagnosed? 

Dentists diagnose pulpitis mainly by assessing tooth sensitivity: 

- Electric pulp test: This test determines whether the pulp is alive. The dentist uses an instrument that delivers a small electrical pulse to the tooth. If the pulp is alive, you will feel stimulation; if it is dead, you will not feel it. 

- Hot or cold test: The dentist will touch your teeth with a hot or cold substance. In case of irreversible pulpitis, the sensitivity lasts for more than a few seconds. 

- Touching the tooth: Gentle touching of the tooth. Pain at this time is a sign of irreversible pulpitis. 

- Dental X-ray: This helps the dentist identify tooth defects and signs of infection. 

How is pulpitis treated?

Reversible pulpitis: 

The dentist attempts to remove the cause of the inflammation, which often involves removing the caries and sealing the tooth with a filling. 

Irreversible pulpitis: 

In this case, more intensive treatment is required, such as root canal treatment. Usually, this procedure is performed by an endodontist. They remove the infected pulp, clean the root canal, and fill it with a filling.

Why iCare Dental clinic?

iCare Dental clinic offers pulpitis (tooth nerve inflammation) treatment to the highest quality standards:

• Professional and trusted doctors;
• European quality materials: We use only trusted, certified materials.
• Modern equipment: CAD/CAM technology ensures precise and aesthetic results.
• Personalized approach: We create an individual treatment plan for each patient.
• Free consultation: You can book a free consultation with us and discuss the procedure details with our specialist.

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