Pulpitis
DESCRIPTION: Inflammation of the pulp is one of the most common lesions seen in dental practice. No illustration is shown because pulpitis is not amenable to clinical photography. Pulpitis usually causes a toothache (pulpalgia) ranging from mild to excruciating, although in some cases, there are no symptoms.
ETIOLOGY: Pulpitis is usually brought about by pulp infection occurring as a consequence of caries, but may also be caused by physical trauma, dental instrumentation, and irritating restorative materials.
TREATMENT: Treatment consists of elimination of the responsible agent. Irreversible cases are treated by endodontic procedures or extraction.
PROGNOSIS: The prognosis depends on the extent and severity of the pulp involvement.
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: It is frequently stated that periodontal infections, sinusitis, and referred pain may masquerade as pulpitis. When patients complain of pain in vital teeth, the diagnosis of atypical odontalgia or phantom tooth pain should be considered.
