Pulpitis
Pronunciation: pul-PY-tis
Inflammation of the dental pulp, classified as reversible or irreversible based on symptom severity and pulpal vitality.
Full Definition
Pulpitis is inflammation of the dental pulp — the soft connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels housed within the pulp chamber and root canals of a tooth. It is categorised clinically as reversible pulpitis, in which the pulp can recover if the stimulus is removed, or irreversible pulpitis, in which inflammation is too advanced for healing and root canal treatment or extraction is required. Editors should note that 'reversible' and 'irreversible' are always lowercase modifiers in this context. Pulpitis is distinct from pulp necrosis, which denotes pulp death rather than active inflammation.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify 'reversible' or 'irreversible' when a clinical distinction is being drawn. Do not use 'pulpitis' and 'pulp necrosis' interchangeably.
In Context
- "The diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis was confirmed by the patient's spontaneous, lingering pain on thermal testing." — Endodontic diagnosis note
- "Reversible pulpitis may resolve after placement of a sedative dressing and removal of the carious lesion." — General dentistry clinical guidelines