Why is it necessary to destroy the tooth pulp when the tooth has pulpitis?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Dang Tien Dat - Doctor of Odonto-Stomatology - Department of Medical Examination and Internal Medicine - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.

Many cases of patients with toothache when going to the dentist are appointed to destroy the tooth pulp. However, not everyone understands the reason why it is necessary to destroy the tooth pulp when the tooth has pulpitis.

1. What is pulpitis?

The pulp is a connective tissue located in a cavity between the dentin, consisting of many nerves and blood vessels. The pulp is covered by enamel, dentin and can be found in both the crown or the root. Pulpitis is actually a response to fight pathogens of the tooth pulp. The disease usually originates from the existence of bacteria in the tooth pulp. This bacteria can penetrate through the tooth root or cavity,...
There are also some other causes leading to pulpitis such as: Physical factors (change in environmental pressure) , trauma), due to chemicals (mercury poisoning, lead,...)
Pulpitis usually goes through 3 stages with different types of damage: Pre-pulpitis (reversible pulpitis) , acute pulpitis and finally chronic pulpitis.

2. What is root canal treatment?

Root canal eradication is a process consisting of steps performed in turn with the aim of removing all infected, necrotic pulp inside the pulp cavity. Then clean and seal the canal to completely solve the infection and avoid the recurrence of infection.

3. Why is it necessary to destroy the tooth pulp when the tooth has pulpitis?

In the case of mild caries, the inflamed pulp can be restored, the doctor will provide factors that promote the remineralization process. However, with cases of severe pulpitis and cavities, root canal treatment is essential. At this time, the inflamed tooth pulp has been necrotic and cannot be restored, it is necessary to destroy the tooth pulp immediately to remove the infection cluster to avoid spreading to the surrounding areas for a long time.
When the tooth has pulpitis, the patient will often have to endure intense pain, especially at night. These pain can even last for hours, directly affecting the patient's daily life. Teeth with pulpitis often cannot heal on their own, if not treated early and the infection spreads, the teeth may fall out due to the degeneration of the bone around the teeth. At this point, tooth extraction may be the only option. However, tooth extraction can affect and distort the position of adjacent teeth and misalign the bite. Therefore, killing the tooth pulp when the tooth has pulpitis is a must to end the pulp inflammation and solve the pain thoroughly.

4. The process of killing tooth pulp

Safe pulp eradication will be performed sequentially according to the following process:
Step 1: Check the condition of the tooth with pulp inflammation
Before determining whether to conduct pulp eradication, the doctor will conduct a visit General examination of the patient's oral health and X-ray films to observe the entire tooth structure in detail, and accurately determine the position and extent of the tooth with pulp inflammation. Then, the doctor will discuss and advise the patient on a specific treatment regimen.
Step 2: Dental hygiene and anesthesia
The patient will be cleaned before the pulp is removed such as rinsing, tartar,... Root canal destruction can cause pain for the patient. Therefore, to help the patient be more comfortable and reduce some of the pain, the doctor will administer anesthesia in a closed sterile room.
Step 3: Put the rubber sole
In this step, after cleaning the teeth and giving anesthesia, the rubber sole will be placed in the position of the tooth that needs root canal treatment. In particular, the environment around the tooth with pulpitis needs to be kept dry and clean to avoid infection.
Step 4: Destroy the tooth pulp
The doctor creates a small passage from the tooth to the root canal using a specialized dental drill. Then open the pulp, determine the length of the canal and use the instrument to remove the inflamed and necrotic pulp tissue.
When the inflamed pulp tissue is aspirated, the canal is cleaned and reshaped. Finally, the doctor will perform an X-ray to make sure there is no remaining inflamed pulp tissue in the canal.

Step 5: Seal the root canal
Symptoms of inflammation or pain can be completely eliminated after the root canal is completed. At this time, the canal will be filled with a specialized dental resin called gutta percha (safe and non-toxic to the body).
However, teeth after root canal treatment will often be weaker than before and easily shaken. Therefore, with the consent of the customer, the doctor will make porcelain veneers for the teeth that have been treated with pulp for better chewing.
When the pulpitis progresses to a severe stage, it often requires root canal treatment or tooth extraction, both of which can be painful and affect daily activities. Therefore, when there are signs of pulpitis, the patient should immediately go to the dental clinic for timely detection and treatment.

Master, Doctor Dang Tien Dat graduated with a master's degree in Odonto-Stomatology at Hanoi Medical University. Dr. Dat has strengths in: performing wisdom tooth extraction procedures, root canal treatment, tartar removal, gentle tooth filling, minimal trauma, helping patients to minimize pain; Design and make beautiful porcelain teeth. Currently, dentist Dat is working at the Department of Odonto-Stomatology, Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital.
To register for examination and treatment at Vinmec International General Hospital, you can contact Vinmec Health System nationwide, or register for an online examination HERE
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