Pulpitis happens when pulp material, which contains blood and nerve cells, becomes inflamed inside the tooth's root canal. The inflammation is typically caused by a dental infection such as gingivitis or trauma to the tooth. If caught early, the pulpitis can be reversed without permanent damage to the tooth. This is called reversible pulpitis and is treatable with restorative dentistry techniques. If left untreated, the inflammation can worsen and cause irreversible damage that can threaten the life of the tooth.

Here are two of the potential treatment methods for reversible pulpitis.

Dental Filling

Mild pulpitis might present with merely inflamed pulp that hasn't yet suffered any damage. In these cases, your dentist might prescribe you an antibiotic, if the pulpitis is infection-borne, and then the application of a dental filling.

The best type of filling material depends on your budget and the tooth in question. Silver amalgam is one of the cheapest yet most durable filling materials. The unnatural color might cause you cosmetic concerns on a front tooth, but wouldn't be as noticeable on a rear tooth. Silver amalgam performs particularly well in rear molars, which take a great deal of bite force and require a strong filling material.

Composite resin is a good middle-of-the-road choice for a front tooth. The material is tooth-colored for a better cosmetic look and is sufficiently strong for the lower bite force taken on by front teeth.

Root Canal Procedure and Crown

Pulp that has suffered damage will require a root canal procedure. The dentist will open the top of your natural tooth to gain access to the canal, if there's not an existing crack that offers entry. Damaged pulp will be scraped out and replaced with a biocement that helps protect the canal from future infection or damage.

Your tooth will then be sealed shut with the application of an artificial dental crown. A dental crown is sort of an exterior version of a filling that bonds onto the tooth's surface. Like fillings, crowns are available in a range of materials.

An all-porcelain crown offers the most natural look on low bite force teeth. A metal-backed porcelain crown can offer a natural look on high bite force teeth. You might prefer a metal-backed crown in the rear of your mouth since there's a line of metal visible at the bottom of the crown. Metal crowns are also available for a cheaper and stronger treatment on rear teeth. For more information, contact Alliance Family Dental.

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