Inside all of your teeth there is a substance known as pulp. This consists of blood vessels, nerves and other cells. It can become inflamed as a result of tooth decay or a one off accident. The good news is that, in many cases, this pulpitis is actually completely reversible so you should keep your dentist up to date with what is going on in your mouth in case you develop it.
Should you contract pulpitis, you will find that a particular tooth feels especially sensitive when you are eating or drinking hot or cold substance or even when you are breathing in particularly cold air. You might find that are experiencing unexplained aches in the neck, chin or jaw area and the lymph nodes might enlarge, causing you some pain.
Any prolonged pulpitis is likely to be irreversible. If the problem has been going on for a long time then your dentist might be able to do nothing about it as the pulp has become so compromised. In cases of reversible pulpitis then the pain will not be nearly as severe.
Your dentist will be able to diagnose pulpitis by subjecting the tooth to an x-ray; often these are now digital and so are far more efficient than in the past. Usually in cases of reversible pulpitis, the tooth can be restored to health by dealing with the cavity that might be causing it. By filling the cavity the pulp will be able to heal itself. Root canal treatment might be required, or a course of antibiotics prescribed in order to deal with the infection.
Keep up the habit of visiting your Central Leeds dentist every six months and any case of reversible pulpitis should be able to be dealt with.
Tags: Pulpitis, tooth decay
