Description: Inflammation of the pulp is one of the most common lesions seen in dental practice. No illustration is shown because pulpitis is not amenable to clinical photography. Pulpitis usually causes a toothache (pulpalgia) ranging from mild to excruciating although, in some cases, there are no symptoms.
Etiology: Pulpitis is usually brought about by pulp infection occurring as a consequence of caries, but may also be caused by physical trauma, dental instrumentation, and irritating restorative materials used by dentists.
Treatment: Treatment consists of elimination of the responsible agent. Irreversible cases are treated by endodontic procedures or extraction.
Prognosis: The prognosis depends on the extent and severity of the pulp involvement.
Differential diagnosis: It is frequently stated that periodontal infections, sinusitis, and referred pain may masquerade as pulpitis.