Pulpatillstånd

Pulpatillstånd refers to the pathological conditions affecting the dental pulp, the soft tissue within a tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. These conditions are primarily caused by dental caries (tooth decay), trauma, or repeated dental procedures.

The most common pulpal conditions include reversible pulpitis and irreversible pulpitis. Reversible pulpitis is a mild inflammation where the pulp is sensitive to stimuli, particularly cold, but the pain is short-lived and subsides when the stimulus is removed. The pulp is expected to return to normal if the cause is eliminated. Irreversible pulpitis represents a more severe inflammation. Pain in irreversible pulpitis can be spontaneous, lingering, and often throbbing, sometimes exacerbated by heat. In this state, the pulp is significantly damaged and unlikely to recover.

Further progression of irreversible pulpitis can lead to pulp necrosis, where the pulp tissue dies. This can occur due to inadequate blood supply. Following necrosis, periapical inflammation or infection may develop, affecting the tissues surrounding the root apex. These include periapical periodontitis, periapical abscesses (acute or chronic), and radicular cysts.

Diagnosis of pulpal conditions relies on a combination of patient history, clinical examination, vitality tests (such as cold or electric pulp testing), and radiographic assessment. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition, ranging from simple restoration for reversible pulpitis to root canal therapy or extraction for irreversible pulpitis and its sequelae.