How to treat pulpitis?

Pulpitis is an inflammatory process of the soft tooth tissues (of the nerve). Pulpitis is caused by pathogenic bacteria. The main symptom is severe pain especially while eating hot or cold food. The symptoms of pulpitis usually worsen at nighttime.

The main cause of pulpitis is pathogenic bacteria that secrete toxins. These toxins get into the pulp through the carious cavity. The main causative agent of the disease is streptococcus. However, pulpitis can be caused by other bacteria like staphylococci or lactobacilli. The first soft tooth tissues to be infected are those placed near the carious cavity. Later bacteria and their toxins get deeper into the pulp.

In some cases pulpitis can develop as a result of some trauma of the tooth like the splitting off of a part of the crown of the tooth. Temperature and chemical factors (influence of acids) can also cause pulpitis.

The primary symptoms of pulpitis are pains caused by the change of temperature, severe pains (permanent or temporary).

The only way to treat pulpitis is to clean out the pulp from root canal (completely or partially) and then fill it.

2 ways to treat pulpitis. Nowadays there are 2 main ways to treat pulpitis:

1. Conservative way. This way allows preserving the functions of the pulp (soft tissues are not removed completely).
2. Surgical way. This way presupposes the removal of all infected pulp and filling of the root canals of the tooth.

Conservative way can be used in case the inflammatory process in the pulp is reversible: different inflammatory diseases, traumatic pulpitis, accidental opening of the soft tooth tissues. This way is more effective when applied to young people.

When dentists treat pulpitis they open, widen and form the carious cavity. Dentists should pay special attention to medicamental sanitization of the carious cavity. Dentists may use mild antiseptic medicines, antibiotics, proteolytic ferments. Still, it is absolutely forbidden to use ether or alcohol.

The main stage in the process of treating pulpitis is the deposition of a special paste onto the bottom of the pulp. This paste removes inflammation and promotes the process of regeneration of the soft tooth tissues.

When the paste has been deposited the cavity will be closed with the help of a temporary filling. In about a week (depends on the condition of the pulp) filling will be completed. What can happen if one does not treat pulpitis? If one does not treat pulpitis necrosis will spread over the rest of the soft tooth tissues. The very first symptom of pulpitis severe pain should send you running to see the dentist. In most cases treatment of pulpitis is very successful.

Mind: to prevent pulpitis it is enough to prevent caries.