Toothache or toothache is experienced as very unpleasant. The pain is often throbbing and worsens when bending or lying down. There is a chance that this is pulpitis. Inside a tooth or molar there is living tissue: called pulp. Inflammation of the pulp can occur due to, among other things, cavities (caries) or overloading of the teeth. The pain becomes increasingly severe but can also suddenly disappear: the nerve has then died. After this, a root tip infection or an abscess may develop. Pulpitis must therefore always be treated. This is usually done through a root canal treatment.
Inflammation of a tooth or molar
Inflammation can occur anywhere. This is caused by an infection with microorganisms, bacteria. The often most annoying and painful inflammation is that of a tooth or molar. The teeth are very sensitive to pain sensations and inflammation is often accompanied by severe pain.
Pulpitis is an inflammation of the pulp. This is the inner tissue found in a tooth. We also call this living tissue because it contains blood vessels and nerve fibers. From the root tip, which is located in the jawbone, blood vessels and nerve fibers run via the root canal to the dental cavity: the middle part of the tooth. Teeth have one to two root canals and molars three to four. The pulp (dental pulp or dental pulp) is therefore not only located in the center of the molar or tooth but also in the root canals.
Cause of inflammation
In most cases, caries is the cause. We also call these holes. But what is caries? When we eat, food remains in the mouth. This often remains spread throughout the day and plaque is formed. Plaque is a sticky white substance and consists not only of food residues, but also of bacteria and mucus. Plaque must be removed within 24 hours. If this is not done, the plaque hardens and becomes tartar. This is a gray to brown deposit that is located on the chewing surfaces or the gum lines. Tartar cannot be removed yourself, it is too hard for that.
More bacteria can easily adhere to tartar. The bacteria break down sugars into an acid. This acid attacks the enamel layer of the tooth. This makes the tooth brittle and bacteria can eventually penetrate inside. In the vast majority of cases, we can identify caries as the cause of pulpitis.
But there are also other causes. A leaking filling, for example. This can also cause inflammation in the inner part of the tooth. Pulpitis can also occur after filling or drilling the tooth. Another cause is damage to the tooth, for example a fracture or crack. This can be caused by a blow or bump to the tooth, but also by bruxism. This is jaw clenching or teeth grinding, often at night.
Symptoms
Pulpitis is almost always accompanied by pain. The pain is severe and throbbing and worsens when bending or lying down. The tooth also reacts strongly to cold or heat. Tapping or biting the tooth close is also painful. In any case, the tooth or molar has higher sensitivity than the other elements. The pain that is felt is also called nerve pain.
When the pulp has died, the pain suddenly disappears. The nerves are dead and no longer transmit pain signals. This seems nice, because after all there is no longer that intense throbbing pain. However, pus will begin to accumulate in the dead molar or tooth. This causes a new inflammation, but now deeper in the jawbone. This again causes pain that feels duller and is difficult to pinpoint. Sometimes root tip inflammation also occurs. Pain in the jaw then occurs. The face/cheek may also become swollen.
Therapy
Pulpitis should always be treated. If this does not happen, the pulp dies. This can cause deeper inflammation with adverse consequences. The molar or tooth must eventually also be removed.
The treatment of pulpitis consists of a root canal treatment. For many people this seems like a horrible experience, partly due to the horror stories that are spread via the internet. However, in practice this is not so bad. In many cases the dentist can provide a good anesthetic. The tooth is opened, the nerves are removed and the cavity is rinsed clean. The tooth is then closed using a filling. The treatment takes half an hour to an hour.
Another treatment method is tooth extraction. This is also done under local anesthesia. The element is pulled out using pliers. Sometimes it has to be split because it is difficult to let go. After one of these treatments, the pain should disappear within a few days. The pain felt after treatment has more to do with the procedure. If the complaints persist, especially after a root canal treatment, there is a chance that bacteria have remained in the dental cavity. A new root canal treatment is then necessary.
