If your pain occurs with temperature extremes but goes away quickly
, you may have a reversible condition. But if the pain is intense, lingers after temperature changes, occurs spontaneously, or is referred to other teeth, making it hard to determine the exact location, you may have irreversible pulpitis.
How can you tell the difference between reversible and irreversible pulpitis?
There are two forms of pulpitis: reversible and irreversible. Reversible pulpitis refers to instances where the inflammation is mild and the tooth pulp remains healthy enough to save. Irreversible pulpitis occurs when inflammation and other symptoms, such as pain, are severe, and
the pulp cannot be saved
.
How do you know if pulpitis is reversible?
In reversible pulpitis,
pain occurs when a stimulus (usually cold or sweet) is applied to the tooth
. When the stimulus is removed, the pain ceases within 1 to 2 seconds. In irreversible pulpitis, pain occurs spontaneously or lingers minutes after the stimulus (usually heat, less frequently cold) is removed.
Will reversible pulpitis go away on its own?
Pulpitis won’t go away on its own
and ignoring it can lead to more serious issues. The infection can spread to other teeth, the jaw, and sinuses. If you have pulpitis, you must see a dentist or endodontist to fix the problem.
What does reversible pulpitis feel like?
Symptoms of reversible pulpitis include:
Sensitivity to sweet foods or drinks
.
Sensitivity to cold that lasts only a few seconds
.
Sharp pain
.
Why is pulpitis more painful at night?
The other reason, and probably the main reason why it gets worse at night for most, is
due to blood flow when you lie down
. When you lay down horizontally all the blood flows towards your head and face and therefore can cause pressure on the sensitive areas where your toothache is.
What does pulpitis feel like?
If you notice a
tingling sensation in one of your teeth or sharp pain
when eating something hot or cold that goes beyond regular tooth sensitivity, you may be dealing with pulpitis. Pulpitis occurs when the inner pulp portion of the tooth, which is made up of blood vessels and nerves, becomes inflamed.
How long does it take for pulpitis to heal?
In general, if you have reversible pulpitis your symptoms are: Initially the tooth can be very painful (i.e. with new dental work) but typically gets better quickly (i.e.
1-7 days
). Pain is not spontaneous and is only initiated by a stimulus i.e. chewing, hot, cold or sugar (Pain typically is not 24/7)
What happens if pulpitis is left untreated?
If left untreated, pulpitis can lead to
a periapical abscess
, otherwise known as a dental abscess, which is a localized infection in the bone or soft tissues. A person may notice a pocket of pus beside their tooth. Cellulitis may occur if the infection spreads to local tissue spaces and causes widespread swelling.
How long is pulpitis reversible?
| Symptom | Teeth sensitivity | Reversible Pulpitis | Short and sharp | Irreversible pulpitis | Lasts for more than 30 seconds | Chronic pulpitis | Short and sharp | Acute pulpitis | Very painful |
|---|
Does irreversible pulpitis pain come and go?
It just comes and goes
. This kind of pain is usually throbbing and indicates reversible pulpitis. However, in the case of irreversible pulpitis, you may experience a toothache so severe that it can keep you up at night.
How do you know if your tooth pulp is damaged?
Depending on the severity of the damage to the pulp, the symptoms may vary, but they will typically include:
Tooth sensitivity and pain
, especially when you eat something that’s hot, cold or very sweet. A sudden and unexplainable, sharp pain in your mouth. In worse cases, infection in your mouth may also occur.
How long does it take for pulpitis to settle after a filling?
Sensitivity from a tooth filling should go away within
two to four weeks
. If the sensitivity doesn’t seem to be getting any better during that time, or it lasts for longer than four weeks, contact your dentist.
Can pulpitis heal itself?
Often pulpitis is reversible
. In some cases, a natural coating of dentin will form over the pulp to shield it from the irritant, and the nerve will recover without treatment. In situations where the pulp cannot heal itself, pulpitis is classified as irreversible.
What does nerve damage in a tooth feel like?
Tooth nerve pain can feel like
a sharp, stabbing pain or a dull ache
. If your tooth nerve is exposed, particular foods and drinks will probably trigger the pain.
Can pulpitis resolve itself?
It usually is reversible and it goes away on it’s own
. However, if pulpitis pain is severe and doesn’t go away you should consult a doctor. Pulpitis after filling happens from time to time and most doctors can consult you on that.
