What are the steps for treating pulpitis?

In general, the treatment of pulpitis focuses on relieving pain, eliminating infection, and preserving the affected tooth. The main procedures include oral examination and diagnosis, pulp chamber opening and drainage, root canal preparation, root canal disinfection, root canal filling, and dental restoration. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Oral Examination and Diagnosis: The dentist first performs a visual examination to check the tooth's appearance for signs of caries or structural damage. Then, using probing and percussion tests, the sensitivity and degree of pain are assessed. Additionally, dental X-rays are used to determine the extent of pulp infection, root morphology, and the condition of periapical tissues.

2. Pulp Chamber Opening and Drainage: For severe pain caused by acute pulpitis, the dentist uses a high-speed dental handpiece to remove decayed tissue from the affected tooth and open the pulp chamber. This allows inflammatory exudates within the pulp chamber to drain, reducing internal pressure and rapidly alleviating pain.

3. Root Canal Preparation: Using specialized instruments such as root canal files, the dentist gradually removes necrotic pulp tissue, bacteria, and toxins from the pulp chamber. The root canal walls are shaped and smoothed to form a uniformly tapered structure, ensuring thorough and tight disinfection and filling in subsequent steps.

4. Root Canal Disinfection: After completing root canal preparation, the dentist places disinfecting medication inside the root canal. This helps eliminate any remaining bacteria, control the spread of infection, and resolve inflammation within the canal, establishing a sterile environment necessary for successful root canal filling.

5. Root Canal Filling and Tooth Restoration: Once the inflammation within the root canal is effectively controlled, the dentist uses biocompatible root canal filling materials to tightly seal the canal, preventing bacterial reinfection. Afterwards, depending on the extent of tooth damage, an appropriate restoration method—such as composite resin filling, inlay, or crown restoration—is selected.

After treatment, patients should avoid chewing hard foods with the affected tooth, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth twice daily and rinsing after meals, and undergo regular dental check-ups. These practices help extend the lifespan of the treated tooth and promote long-term oral health.