Difference between toothache due to excessive internal heat and pulpitis

Written by Wang Peng
Dentistry
Updated on May 11, 2025
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Toothache caused by "excessive internal heat" usually refers to periodontal abscess or acute exacerbation of periodontal disease, whereas pulpitis involves an irreversible inflammatory reaction within the dental pulp inside the root of the tooth, and these two conditions are very different. Toothache from "excessive internal heat" related to periodontal swelling and pain refers to inflammation of the gums around the tooth. Pulpitis, on the other hand, involves inflammation of the nerves inside the tooth; thus, their specific locations are different. Toothache caused by "excessive internal heat" typically gives a feeling of the tooth being loose, but pulpitis results in localized tooth pain, which is difficult to pinpoint and can sometimes extend to include facial and head areas, presenting as radiating pain.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
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Does pulpitis require dental fillings?

Pulpitis requires dental restoration. Pulpitis, caused by bacterial infection reaching the dental nerve, manifests as severe pain, including sensitivity to hot and cold, nocturnal pain, and diffuse pain that cannot be localized. Typically, pulpitis in one tooth can cause pain in the adjacent upper and lower teeth on the same side, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact tooth responsible. Before performing dental restoration for pulpitis, treatment of the tooth is necessary. This includes removing the infected dental nerve, followed by medication within the root canal and controlling the inflammation. Afterward, the root canal is filled. Thus, root canal treatment is required before dental restoration can proceed in cases of pulpitis.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
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What is pulpitis?

Pulpitis is also an inflammatory reaction occurring in the pulp tissue, caused by the further infection of bacteria when tooth decay is not timely halted, and it represents the natural conclusion of tooth decay. The dental tissues are divided into enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp tissue, with the pulp tissue located on the innermost side, which is commonly referred to as the dental nerve. If the bacterial infection is not promptly halted in the early stages within the hard tissues of the tooth, that is, if the tooth is not filled in time, the bacteria then further infect the innermost pulp tissue, causing inflammation of the pulp tissue, which is clinically referred to as pulpitis. Pulpitis involves severe pain, necessitating prompt root canal treatment for the tooth.

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Written by Fang Xiao
Dentistry
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Can pulpitis heal by itself?

Pulpitis is more difficult to heal on its own. It is a disease caused by bacterial infection of the pulp tissue and is irreversible. The pulp is located inside the pulp chamber, and once inflammation occurs, it is difficult to heal on its own, and even if it heals, it is only temporary. Pulpitis requires timely treatment. If not treated promptly, the progression of the disease may lead to complications such as periapical periodontitis and periodontal abscess, which not only increase the difficulty of treatment but also cause pain to the patient, affecting their normal life. To treat pulpitis, it is necessary to remove the pulp and eliminate the infection inside the root canal with root canal treatment. Only by doing so can the tooth be preserved. Therefore, it is important to maintain oral hygiene, brush teeth in the morning and evening, rinse after meals, and use the internationally recognized Bass method for brushing.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
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Late-stage consequences of pulpitis

Pulpitis is a severe pain manifestation caused by bacterial infection of the dental pulp tissue. If pulpitis is not treated in a timely manner, and it develops to a late stage, it might intensify the pain. In the early stages, the pain may only occur when eating or due to temperature sensitivity. In the later stages of pulpitis, spontaneous pain may occur, meaning that the teeth may hurt without any external stimuli, or symptoms of nighttime pain might appear, often causing pain at night or pain that can awaken someone from sleep. In its late stages, pulpitis can also develop into pus formation in the pulp tissue, also known as suppurative pulpitis, characterized by pain relief with cold and exacerbation with heat, meaning that cold water can relieve the pain, while hot water can worsen it.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
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What are the symptoms of pulpitis?

Pulpitis is a painful condition that occurs due to bacterial infection of the dental pulp tissue. Pulpitis has its own typical symptoms, including pain triggered by temperature changes. Eating foods that are cold, hot, sour, or sweet can cause severe pain in the dental nerves. Additionally, temperature stimuli intensify the pain; both cold and hot water can cause tooth pain. During the acute suppurative phase, there is pain with heat and relief with cold, meaning drinking hot water causes pain, whereas drinking cold water can alleviate it. Another typical characteristic of pulpitis includes nighttime pain; often there is less pain during the day, but at night or after falling asleep, the pain can awaken the individual from sleep.