Do I go to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for pulpitis?

Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
Updated on September 25, 2024
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Pulpitis requires a visit to the department of stomatology or the department of dental cariology and endodontics. Some hospitals, with more detailed department divisions, differentiate between adults and children. Generally, individuals under 18 years old fall under the pediatric dentistry department. Those 18 and older need to visit the department of dental cariology and endodontics. Pulpitis is a painful condition caused by bacterial infection of the dental nerve, clinically manifested by pain when eating, night-time pain, localized pain, and worsening pain upon exposure to hot and cold stimuli. Treatment for pulpitis involves root canal therapy. This involves drilling to remove the infected dental tissue, then performing root canal medicament filling, followed by inflammation control and root canal filling.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
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Can pulpitis be detected with an X-ray?

Pulpitis is divided into normal pulpitis and retrograde pulpitis. Normal pulpitis is a further development from bacterial infection of the hard tissues of the tooth to the pulp tissues, which means it can be captured on an X-ray. It mainly presents as a low-density image near the pulp. This stage of pulpitis is normal, developed through the normal pathway, and can be identified on an X-ray. If the pulpitis is due to the development of a periodontal pocket, bacteria infect the root apex area retrogradely through the periodontal pocket, causing pathological changes in the pulp tissue of the root apex area. Retrograde pulpitis cannot be detected on an X-ray.

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Written by Fang Xiao
Dentistry
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What should I do if the pain from pulpitis is unbearable?

Pulpitis typically presents with spontaneous pain, paroxysmal pain, and pain due to temperature stimuli. The pain of acute pulpitis often cannot be localized. Only by visiting a regular hospital's dentistry department for pulp opening and drainage can the pain be relieved, followed by comprehensive root canal treatment. Additionally, if it is inconvenient to treat pulpitis pain, one can take oral anti-inflammatory painkillers, apply ice locally, crush a clove of garlic and place it on the affected tooth, or steam one part Sichuan pepper with four parts aged vinegar for ten minutes and then apply the moistened Sichuan pepper to the affected tooth to alleviate the pain. Ultimately, root canal treatment at a regular hospital's dentistry department is necessary. Regular oral hygiene is important, including brushing teeth morning and night, rinsing after meals, and using the internationally recognized Bass brushing technique. Cavities should be detected and treated early.

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How is pulpitis treated?

Pulpitis is an emergency in dentistry, and different types of pulpitis require different treatment methods. The first step in treating pulpitis is to administer anesthesia, and if time allows, root canal treatment should be completed in one session. Root canal treatment involves removing and cleaning the dental nerve inside the root canal in one go, then using dental cement and paste to fill the root canal, thereby inhibiting bacterial growth and reproduction. Generally, three to four root canal treatments are needed. Medication treatments include cephalosporins, erythromycin, and pain relievers to alleviate pain. Additionally, tooth extraction may be advised for severe inflammation and poor dental condition.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
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Is pulpitis the same as tooth decay?

Pulpitis is actually a pain response that occurs when tooth decay further develops inflammation reaching the dental pulp tissue. Strictly speaking, pulpitis is an inflammatory pain response of the dental pulp that occurs when tooth decay further develops bacterial infection of the dental pulp tissue. Pulpitis requires early dental treatment. For tooth decay, it is sometimes sufficient to remove the decayed infected dental tissue and directly fill it. In cases of pulpitis, where the dental nerve is already exposed, anti-inflammatory treatment is necessary. First, the infected dental pulp tissue is removed with a drill, and since the dental nerve is exposed, nerve-killing is required. After controlling the inflammation, the root canal is disinfected, medication is placed in the root canal, and then the root canal is filled, which means that a complete root canal treatment is needed.

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Can catching a cold cause pulpitis?

Common pulpitis is generally caused by the invasion of certain bacteria, leading to inflammation of the dental pulp and instances of infection and necrosis in the pulp tissue. It is not particularly related to the patient catching a cold, but if the patient does catch a cold and their resistance decreases, their immunity may be lower. Therefore, it is advised that patients pay attention to their lifestyle and take care not to catch a cold. Furthermore, when a patient experiences pulpitis, they must seek medical attention at a hospital promptly, as the pain associated with dental inflammation is typically intense and can significantly inconvenience the patient's eating habits. It is recommended that patients visit a dental hospital promptly for treatment. Methods such as pulp opening for decompression can effectively alleviate pulpitis. Additionally, patients should be mindful of their diet and lifestyle habits and maintain oral hygiene.