Reversible Pulpitis
The pulp (red area of sketch) consists of blood vessels, nerves, and many types of cells. Nerve tissue in teeth helps to warn us when there are bacterial invaders (tooth decay), cracks and chips, which can allow microorganisms access to our body’s circulatory system. Blood vessels in teeth bring nourishment to the living cells inside the teeth. For example, odontoblast cells living in the pulp continuously produce dentin (brown area of sketch) throughout the life of the tooth. Dentin is a calcified substance that can patch holes created by microscopic cracks, and build a dividing wall to slow the advance of bacteria found in tooth cavities. (Sketch by Connor Lambrecht)
Pulpitis is a general term for inflammation of the tooth pulp, which consists of the blood vessels, nerve tissue, and living cells that occupy the hollow interior of teeth (Figure 1). Pulpitis is characterized by tooth sensitivity that arises from excess blood flow (hyperemia) to the tooth. In some cases, the patient will complain of tenderness in the neck, under the jaw, or under the chin, where lymph nodes are located. Lymph nodes typically enlarge and become tender when there is infection nearby.
Pulpitis can be caused by any adverse event experienced by the tooth, including decay (caries), traumatic injury (a sharp blow to the tooth), heavy biting forces, or drilling on the tooth during dental procedures. Exposure to solutions which dehydrate or demineralize the tooth can cause it. These may include tooth bleach, acids found in food and beverages, and even certain multi-care toothpastes.
Pulpitis is generally divided into two types: Irreversible and Reversible. Irreversible pulpitis is generally characterized by prolonged sensitivity to cold and/or heat, and sometimes to sweets. It is often accompanied by a continuous low-grade ache, which is aggravated by these stimuli. Swelling may be present. The tooth’s ability to sense a mild electrical stimulus may be reduced. With irreversible pulpitis, the nerve tissue is still living, but won’t remain alive due to presence of irreversible inflammation in the tooth.
Reversible pulpitis is generally characterized by sharp sensitivity to cold, sometimes to sweets and sometimes to biting. Usually heat doesn’t bother the tooth as much. There is generally no low-grade ache, and the painful response to stimuli is not as prolonged. Swelling is generally not present. Normally, the tooth can still detect a mild electrical stimulus. Inside the pulp, the inflammation is not as pronounced as with irreversible pulpitis, and less damage to the pulp tissues (if any) has occurred.
If a tooth has recently undergone dental procedures (fillings, crowns, etc.), it may be sensitive for a period of time afterward. This is known as postoperative sensitivity, essentially a diagnosis of pulpitis. Depending on the nature of the dental procedure, the age and immune status of the patient, the tooth may get better, or the pulpitis may become irreversible. In some cases, the tooth pulp may die.
A dentist may be able to give you an idea of the likelihood of developing pulpitis before any dental procedures are performed. Keep in mind that teeth are normally living, and that dental procedures on the teeth are surgical procedures, which commonly produce an inflammatory response of some degree. Most often the response is minor; however, if the procedure is involved, irreversible pulpitis may occur.
Teeth have at least two types of nerve tissue inside of them: Myelinated and Un-myelinated. These may be thought of as insulated and un-insulated wires. The Myelinated nerves are like insulated wires, and carry sharp pain stimuli to the brain much faster than un-myelinated nerves. Un-myelinated nerves transmit continuous low-grade pain (dull aches). When both types of nerve are affected, there is a good chance the pulpitis is irreversible.
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