Pulp Polyp
A hyperplastic, chronic inflammatory enlargement of the dental pulp that protrudes through a large carious exposure, also known as chronic hyperplastic pulpitis.
Full Definition
A pulp polyp is a form of chronic open pulpitis characterised by the proliferation of granulation tissue from a vital, chronically inflamed pulp through an extensive carious opening. It appears clinically as a reddish, fleshy, painless mass of tissue filling or overflowing from the carious cavity. The condition is most common in children and young adults with highly vascular pulps. In editorial contexts, 'pulp polyp' and 'chronic hyperplastic pulpitis' are synonyms, though the latter is the preferred diagnostic term in formal case documentation. Editors should not confuse this with a periapical or periodontal polyp.
Usage
Usage note: In formal case records, prefer 'chronic hyperplastic pulpitis'; 'pulp polyp' is acceptable in semi-formal clinical notes.
In Context
- "The diagnosis of pulp polyp was confirmed upon visual examination of the mandibular first molar." — Clinical examination record
- "Authors should use 'chronic hyperplastic pulpitis' as the formal diagnostic term rather than 'pulp polyp' in scientific submissions." — Journal style guide