If you experience sharp pain when eating something hot or cold, an endodontist may identify pulpitis as the culprit for such sensitivity. Pulpitis occurs when the dental pulp becomes inflamed, usually due to a cavity. Without treatment, the inflammation may result in an infection. The disease can cause an abscess in the tooth’s root. This pus-filled mass generally leads to persistent, throbbing tooth pain. The discomfort may radiate to the jawbone and even to the ear and neck.
There are three dental procedures an endodontist may perform to treat a damaged pulp. The first is dental pulp repair, which involves removing the infected part of the tooth. Then, the endodontist will rebuild it with a filling. An endodontist often recommends this treatment if the damage is not yet too far advanced. For more extensive damage, fitting a metal crown may be a better option.
If the damage to the pulp has already progressed, a root canal procedure may be advisable. What if a painful abscess forms and causes necrosis or cell death? In this case, the endodontist will remove all the diseased pulp right down to the root of the tooth. Then, they will proceed with the pulp repair. Inserting a metal post into the root canal may be necessary. The endodontist will use this support to attach the crown.
The tooth with damaged or infected pulp may have been so severely neglected that it is no longer restorable. In this case, the life of this damaged tooth is over, calling for extraction. What if removing the affected tooth leaves a gap between its adjacent teeth? The space needs to be filled with either a dental bridge or implant. When possible, the endodontist will recommend a solution to replace the extracted tooth. This is crucial in maintaining the integrity and quality of the bite.
A bridge involves placing an artificial tooth in the space left by the extracted tooth. The bridge will be attached to the two adjacent teeth (which should be in good condition) to keep them in place. Once an endodontist decides that a bridge is not a viable solution, they may recommend implants. It involves replacing the extracted tooth with a surgical fixture, usually a screw-like post made of titanium. Then, the endodontist will add a dental prosthetic onto the implant, allowing it to look and function like natural teeth.
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The intensity of symptoms varies depending on the type of pulp disease you have. Pulpitis and many other pulp conditions are often caused by tooth decay. Besides acute pain, the disease can cause inflammation and increased sensitivity to sweet foods and anything hot or cold. Once severe pulp infection develops, several other symptoms may be noticeable. These include bad breath, fever, dental abscess, and swollen lymph nodes. Schedule an appointment with an endodontist as soon as you spot these signs.
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