Pulpitis

Pulpitis is the term for all forms of pulp inflammation. The pulp may be irritated by decay in the nearby dentin or by inflammation from periodontal disease. Often pulpitis is reversible. In some cases, a natural coating of dentin will form over the pulp to shield it from the

irritant, and the nerve will recover without treatment.

In situations where the pulp cannot heal itself, pulpitis is classified as irreversible. A bacterial infection in the pulp usually kills the nerve. The infection then spreads through the dead tissue in the root canal and passes through the opening at the end of the root into the surrounding tissues. A cavity then forms in the alveolar bone and fills with pus. This pocket of infection is called an abscess. The pressure from the swelling tissue and the mounting pus forces the tooth slightly upward. At this point, severe pain, fever, weakness, and facial swelling are almost always present. Root canal therapy or tooth extraction are the only ways to prevent the infection from invading other parts of the body.

Ex.18. Insert the missing words given below:

When the pulp becomes inflamed _________ begins to build up in the pulp cavity exerting pressure on the nerve of the tooth and the surrounding _______. Pressure from inflammation can cause mild to extreme ____, depending upon the severity of the inflammation. Often, _______ can create so much pressure on the tooth nerve the individual will have trouble locating the _______of the pain, confusing it with neighbouring ______. Unlike other parts of the _____ where pressure can dissipate through the surrounding soft tissues and where lymph can reach, the pulp ________ is very different. The dentin surrounding the pulp is ______ and does not give under the pressure of the inflammation so the pressure has very little chance of dissipating before pulpal necrosis occurs.

Ex.19. Read the text and speak on stages of root canal therapy:

Pulp Diseases Treatment: Root Canal Therapy

If damaged pulp in your tooth isn't taken out, a severe infection can spread to surrounding tissue, including your jaw bone. A root canal procedure to remove the pulp tissue is usually performed over several visits by a regular dentist or a pulp specialist, called an endodontist. The root canal therapy may spare you from having to get the infected tooth removed.

Here's what you can expect from root canal therapy:

First visit. The diseased pulp is removed and the empty space, the root canal, is cleaned out and enlarged. Special medications may be placed in the canal to disinfect the area. A temporary filling may be placed as well, or your dentist may choose to leave the canal open and let the tooth drain for a few days. An oral antibiotic may also be recommended to treat infection in the tissues surrounding your tooth.

Second visit. The temporary filling is removed and a permanent filling is placed.

Final visit. A crown is placed over the tooth to reinforce the tooth and make it stronger.