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Reversible and Irreversible Pulpitis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Reversible-and-Irreversible-Pulpitis
By Living Well Dental Group

If when you’re enjoying your favorite hot or cold drink, you’re noticing a particular tooth in your mouth is hurting, you may be experiencing pulpitis, which is also known as a toothache.

Pulpitis is inflammation that occurs within a tooth, and a key symptom is sensitivity to changes in temperature. If the pain from pulpitis comes on quickly and is more intense, it is referred to as acute pulpitis, whereas pain that occurs over a long time and is duller is called chronic pulpitis.

The good news is that dental pulpitis is often reversible if treated early. That’s why the Living Well Dental Group team wants you to have the information you need so you will know when pulpitis may be a concern for you.

What Is Pulpitis?

Pulpitis is inflammation that occurs in the center of the tooth where the pulp is. This pulp delivers all of the nutrients to the tooth. If pulpal inflammation occurs due to a cavity or other factors, it will cause the tooth to ache, called pulpitis. Pulpitis tooth can be reversible or irreversible.

Causes of Pulpitis

Many factors may cause pulpitis. Some factors are more common than others. Here’s a list of a few:

Cavity

A dental cavity is the most common cause of pulpitis. Once the cavity is near the center or pulp of the tooth, pulpitis may occur. If the cavity is treated early, this type of pulpitis is reversible.

Dental Trauma or Injury

Dental trauma or injury is the second leading cause of pulpitis. Dental trauma or injury that causes damage to the pulp of your tooth may cause pulpitis. A severe dental injury can cause necrotic pulpitis, which means the pulp inside your tooth has died and no longer provides nutrients to your tooth. This type of pulpitis will often require a root canal to repair.

Pulpitis after a Dental Procedure

If you had a dental procedure done, such as a filling or crown that was close to your tooth’s pulp, pulpitis can occur. Usually, the dentist will let you know if this was the case. Often they will put down a protective material that can help to minimize any discomfort after the procedure. Pulpitis after a crown procedure can occur and on occasion require a root canal to repair the tooth.

Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth

Grinding or clenching your teeth may cause the inner layer of your tooth called dentin to be exposed. This inner layer is more sensitive to changes in temperature, which can cause pulpitis. If treated early with an occlusal guard, this type of pulpitis is reversible.

Cracked or Broken Tooth

A cracked or broken tooth may cause pulpitis if the break is large enough that it is close to or exposes the pulp of the tooth. This can often be repaired with a filling or crown, but a root canal may be necessary if the pulp is exposed.

Types of Pulpitis

Acute Pulpitis VS Chronic Pulpitis

The difference between acute and chronic pulpitis is pretty basic. Acute Pulpitis means the inflammation came on quickly and may be more intense pain. Chronic Pulpitis means that the inflammation happened over a longer period of time, and the pain may be dull.

Reversible Pulpitis

Reversible pulpitis refers to inflammation in the pulp of a tooth that causes pain that only lasts a few seconds and goes away. A quick hot or cold sensation that doesn’t last or linger is considered reversible pulpitis. What makes the pulpitis reversible? The fact that the reaction to the irritant is only when it is on the tooth and goes away quickly after it is removed. This is most commonly caused by a small cavity. If reversible pulpitis is ignored or left untreated, it can turn into irreversible pulpitis.

Irreversible Pulpitis

Irreversible pulpitis occurs when the inflammation of the pulp of a tooth causes pain that lasts, lingers, or does not go away even if the irritant is removed from the tooth. This is a sign that the pulp of your tooth is damaged beyond repair. This can happen with dental trauma or injury to a tooth. This type of irreversible pulpitis requires a root canal to repair.

Pulpitis Symptoms

There is a wide range of symptoms associated with pulpitis. Signs of pulpitis are usually categorized by reversible pulpitis or irreversible pulpitis. We will take a look at each of these and their symptoms.

Reversible Pulpitis Symptoms

  • Sensitivity to hot or cold that only lasts a few seconds
  • Sensitivity to sweet foods that does not linger

Irreversible Pulpitis Symptoms

  • Pain to chewing or touch
  • Swelling in your jaw or face
  • Tooth pain that wakes you up a night
  • Pain to hot or cold that lingers
  • Pain to sweets that lasts more than 30 seconds
  • Fever

Pulpitis Treatment

If pulpitis occurs in the night when your dentist may not be available, there are some types of pulpitis treatments at home that can help until you can get to your dentist. These include:

  • Over-the-counter pain medication can help minimize the pain and decrease inflammation
  • Propping your head up on a few pillows can help reduce inflammation building up in the area of the pulpitis
  • Use an ice pack to help reduce any swelling

The type of pulpitis treatment that you need will depend on whether you have reversible or irreversible pulpitis. We will take a look at treatment options for each of these types of pulpitis.

Reversible Pulpitis Treatment

Reversible pulpitis is most commonly caused by a cavity; therefore, removing the cavity is all that is needed to take care of the problem. If your reversible pulpitis is due to clenching or grinding, you may need chronic pulpitis treatment, including an occlusal guard.

Irreversible Pulpitis Treatment

Irreversible pulpitis pain is more difficult to treat. It will usually require a root canal to remove the infected pulp to take care of the pain. This is why it is so important to take care of tooth pain right away. Untreated irreversible pulpitis may result in tooth loss.

Preventing Pulpitis

Pulpitis can be prevented with proper oral hygiene habits and regular dental visits. At your dental visits, dental x-rays may be taken, which can help to detect dental problems before pulpitis occurs.

Ways to prevent pulpitis:

  • Brush 2 times a day for 2 minutes each time
  • Floss once daily
  • Use a fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash
  • Maintain regular dental visits (most commonly two times a year)
  • Get regular fluoride treatments
  • Avoid sugary or acidic foods and drinks
  • Eat a healthy balanced diet, with plenty of calcium

Conclusion

Now that you understand all about “what is pulpitis,” you know the signs and symptoms to look for if it happens to you. There are two main types of pulpitis: Reversible and Irreversible. Early intervention is the key to reversible pulpitis, and treatments for that are far easier than for irreversible pulpitis.

Reach out to Naperville’s Dental Experts

If you have early warning signs for pulpitis or even far more dental pain, call Living Well Dental Group for the best outcome for pulpitis. Our experts will be able to evaluate your tooth pain and come up with a treatment plan that fits your needs. Reach out to us today online or call 630-505-1516.