Some people hate going to the dentist. They only seek treatment when the pain is unbearable.
Because we are an urgent care practice in Royal Oak, many of our patients fall into this category.
We take extra care with those who have dental anxiety.
Pulpitis an issue that can result in so much pain, even the most dental-phobic patients are forced to pursue treatment.
There are many causes of mouth pain. Some are more serious than others.
If the pain is caused by pulpitis, you need urgent care treatment immediately.
What is Pulpitis?
The “itis” suffix is a clue. In medical-speak, the suffix means “inflammation of.”
Dermatitis is inflamed skin. Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Pulpitis, therefore, is inflammation of the tooth pulp.
Why do body parts become inflamed?
Inflammation is an immune response. Your body couldn’t heal infections or lacerations if it didn’t trigger an inflammatory response.
What are the indications of inflammation?
Medical students learn the acronym PRISH to remember them.
Can you guess them?
- Pain
- Redness
- Immobility
- Swelling
- Heat
These symptoms warn us that there is a malfunction in the affected tissue or organ. They motivate us to address it. Some can be treated at home. Perhaps a heat rash or superficial wound. Others are serious and require visiting a doctor or dentist.
If you have a tooth with inflamed pulp, you definitely want to visit an urgent care dentist. Call Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry now at the number below.
What causes inflammation of the tooth pulp?
The pulp of the tooth is composed of nerves, blood vessels, and the tissues that hold everything together.
- Tooth decay or trauma can result in an infection.
- Repetitive impact, like tooth grinding (bruxism) can cause pulpitis—even though there is no bacterial infection.
- A cracked or chipped tooth may trigger or aggravate pulpitis.
It usually hurts like crazy.
Pulpitis can be reversible or irreversible.
If you have reversible pulpitis, removing the cause of the inflammation can restore health to the pulp. When decay is causing the inflammation, removing the decayed tooth structure and filling the hole is needed.
If you have irreversible pulpitis, the pulp can’t be saved. But you may be able to save the surrounding tooth. Urgent care dentists (like those here at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry) can administer a pulpectomy.
What is a pulpectomy?
Back to our Greek and Latin medical terms. The suffix “ectomy” means “to surgically remove.” An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix. A tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils. You know where this is going. A pulpectomy is the surgical removal of the tooth pulp.
This is the first stage of a root canal. Your dentist will carefully remove the pulp taking care not to damage the intact tooth. Disinfectant is applied to the hollowed-out area to eliminate further infection. Finally, the tube is filled and sealed. Because there is no more pulp to supply blood and nutrients, the tooth is now considered “dead.” A dead tooth is weak and in danger of damage. In most cases, the tooth will require a crown.
In cases of severe pulpitis, it may not be possible to save the tooth. The tooth will need to be extracted.
If you are experiencing unexplained tooth pain, call our office ASAP. We will diagnose the cause and treat the issue. You don’t need to suffer from mouth pain.
Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:
248-541-8770
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067
