Purulent pulpitis: causes, symptoms and treatment
Purulent pulpitis, or retro-pulpitis, is a serious disease of the dental pulp, which is characterized by inflammation of the dental pulp and the formation of pus inside the tooth. This condition can cause significant pain and discomfort and pose a threat to dental health.
The causes of purulent pulpitis can be varied. One of the most common causes is a deep cavity, which allows bacteria to enter the tooth and cause inflammation of the pulp. Also, purulent pulpitis can be associated with tooth trauma, destruction of the root canal, or incorrectly performed tooth treatment.
Symptoms of purulent pulpitis can be quite intense and include the following manifestations:
- Severe pain that may be constant or occur when eating cold or hot food.
- Swelling and redness of the gums around the affected tooth.
- Increased sensitivity of the tooth when touched or when eating.
- The appearance of pus or blood from the root canal of the tooth.
If you experience these symptoms, it is important to contact your dentist immediately. He will conduct the necessary examination and diagnosis, including x-rays, to determine the degree of inflammation of the pulp and take appropriate measures.
Treatment of purulent pulpitis usually includes the following steps:
- Removal and cleaning of the tooth cavity from pus and infected pulp. This may require performing a root canal treatment to remove necrotic or inflamed tissue.
- Using antibiotics to fight the infection and prevent it from spreading further.
- Filling and sealing the root canal to prevent re-entry of bacteria.
- Restoring a tooth using a filling or crown to restore its structure and functionality.
In some cases, when purulent pulpitis has become too widespread or has caused serious complications, tooth extraction may be necessary.
In conclusion, purulent pulpitis is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms associated with suppurative pulpitis, contact your dentist for professional help. Seeing a doctor early can help save the tooth and prevent further complications.