Can pulpitis heal by itself?

Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
Updated on September 14, 2024
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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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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
47sec home-news-image

Can a tooth with pulpitis be extracted?

Pulpitis cannot be treated by tooth extraction. Initially, pulpitis involves an inflammatory response in the pulp tissue. Extracting the tooth at this stage can cause the inflammation to spread throughout the body and, in severe cases, can lead to sepsis. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to avoid tooth extraction during a pulpitis attack. However, dental treatment can be performed during a pulpitis flare-up. Firstly, the acute pain in pulpitis is caused by increased pressure within the pulp. The primary method involves performing a pulpotomy to relieve this pressure. Once the pressure is alleviated, root canal medication can be applied, followed by root canal filling to complete the root canal treatment and preserve the tooth.

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Written by Fang Xiao
Dentistry
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How to deal with pulpitis after pulpotomy?

Pulpotomy for pulpitis is the first step in root canal treatment. For patients with pulpitis, pulpotomy is typically performed under local anesthesia using pulp extraction tools to remove the pulp, including the crown pulp or root pulp, or an inactivator is sealed into the pulp chamber, and the pulp gradually necrotizes after a week. At this point, the root canal is cleaned, and the infected and necrotic tissues between the pulp chambers are prepared with root canal files to meet the treatment standards. The root canal is then filled with gutta-percha points, filling into the pre-prepared root canal until it is full, followed by filling the crown and shaping the exterior. Generally, the root canal treatment process requires two to three sessions to complete. During the acute phase, the pulpotomy is usually left open for treatment right after, and it is recommended to take anti-inflammatory medication for two to three days. After the tooth pain eases, the root canal cleaning is then carried out. Thus, it is important to maintain oral hygiene regularly, brush teeth in the morning and evening, and rinse after meals. It is vital to detect and treat dental caries early.

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Written by Tian Hua
Otolaryngology
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Late stage symptoms of pulpitis

Pulpitis, due to long-term lack of thorough treatment and chronic inflammation, can lead to partial or complete necrosis of the dental pulp. Acute pulpitis, when stimulated by cold or heat, causes severe tooth pain. If the dental pulp becomes purulent or partially necrotic, which is in the late stage of pulpitis, then surgical treatment is required. The best method in this situation is surgical treatment, including dental pulp therapy. Through effective dental pulp treatment, the inflammation and necrotic tissue inside the root canal of the tooth is completely removed, and finally, the canal is permanently filled. This allows the patient’s tooth to no longer feel pain and continue to function for chewing.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
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Pulpitis alleviated by cold water

Relief from pulpitis with cold water is a typical clinical manifestation of acute suppurative pulpitis, characterized by pain with heat and relief with cold. It is common to see patients coming to the clinic holding cold water or holding cold water in their mouth to help alleviate the pain. For this type of acute suppurative pulpitis, the initial treatment should involve opening the pulp to relieve pressure. After the pressure is relieved, a devitalizing agent is used to devitalize the tissue, which is commonly referred to as "killing the nerve." Once the nerve is dead, the pulp tissue loses its sensory function, and the intensity of the pain will be alleviated.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
59sec home-news-image

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.