Pulpitis and Periodontitis

Pathogenesis of Pulpitis and Periodontitis

As mentioned earlier, pulpitis and periodontitis are two subsequent stages following moderate and deep caries. In cases of carious damage, enamel is destroyed first, followed by dentin tissue, and then the pulp. Ignoring the problem leads to infection of the root canal. The infection not only destroys the tooth itself but also spreads beyond its boundaries.

Pulpitis develops at the stage of inflammation of the soft dental tissue (nerve), while periodontitis involves inflammation of the connective tissues around the tooth root (periodontium). When the periodontium is compromised, the risk of tooth loss increases, as the tooth loses its cushioning and becomes loose.

Important! The cause of periodontitis may not only be untreated caries. Experts at the 'Varshavsky' Dental Center in Kyiv note cases where signs of periodontal inflammation occur in response to poorly performed caries treatment, complications from upper respiratory diseases, or mechanical trauma to the tooth.

Symptoms of Diseases

For pulpitis, patients complain of acute pulsating pain that radiates to the jaw and ear. The painful syndrome manifests in response to contact with cold, hot foods, as well as without provocations - in the evening or at night.

As for periodontitis, it doesn't manifest immediately. Inflammation persists for a long time without symptoms. Only slightly noticeable bluishness of the gums can "reveal" the problem. When the disease transitions to an acute phase, the patient experiences unpleasant symptoms:

increased temperature;
swelling of the gums under the tooth;
the affected tooth is slightly elevated and begins to wiggle.

How to Distinguish Periodontitis from Pulpitis?

A good dentist never confuses pulpitis with periodontitis, relying on the following facts:

The tooth pulp is permeated with a large number of nerves, so in cases of pulpitis, patients experience sharp and sudden pain that literally "shoots" into the jaw and ear. In periodontitis, the pain is throbbing, it can persist with the patient for several weeks without changing its intensity;
Pulpitis causes a change in the color of the tooth itself, while inflammation of the periodontium is accompanied by a change in the color of the gum tissue;
Inflammation of the pulp keeps the tooth firmly anchored in its socket, while if the periodontium is inflamed, the element becomes loose. In addition, periodontitis is accompanied by the discharge of pus from the gums.

Treatment of Pulpitis and Periodontitis at "Varshavsky" Dental Center on Vinohradar

The peculiarity of treating these pathologies lies in the completely different therapeutic tactics. In cases of pulpitis, our dentists resort to conservative or surgical treatment methods.

The first approach is justified only for minor pulp lesions and inflammation caused by trauma. It aims to preserve the vitality of the tooth nerve. However, more often within the walls of the "Varshavsky" Dental Center, an alternative approach is used - the pulp is removed with subsequent canal filling.

Before starting surgical treatment, our doctor always sends the patient for an X-ray to determine the degree of inflammation and the necessity of intervention. The medical protocol consists of the following stages:

Creating an opening in the tooth cavity;
Removal of the affected pulp;
Diagnosis of the root canals;
Canal obturation, permanent filling.

The degree of destruction of the peri-tooth tissues in periodontitis can be revealed by an X-ray. After diagnosis and confirmation of the diagnosis, surgical treatment is exclusively initiated. The doctor:

Opens the tooth cavity;
Performs endodontic treatment of the root canals to access the roots;
Leaves a medicated substance in the tooth cavity;
Places a temporary filling;
Fills the canals and places a permanent filling after the effect of the medicated substance.

At the "Varshavsky" Dental Center in Kyiv, treatment of pulpitis and periodontitis is conducted using an effective and safe anesthetic. The clinic can guarantee your comfort and the absence of the risk of complications.

Preventive Measures

Both inflammatory diseases often develop due to tooth decay, so their prevention boils down to preventing the appearance of carious lesions. Our dentists recommend:

Not to neglect preventive check-ups - visit a dentist at least 2 times a year;
Timely treat tooth decay;
Maintain oral hygiene and watch your diet.

You can get more detailed consultation regarding the diseases and their treatment from our doctors in person.