Can a CT scan detect pulpitis?

CT (computed tomography) generally cannot directly visualize pulpitis. Pulpitis refers to inflammation of the dental pulp tissue inside the tooth. Its typical symptoms include severe tooth pain and usually require diagnosis through cold and heat sensitivity tests or measurements of pulp vitality. Although CT technology can clearly display the anatomical structure of the teeth and the surrounding soft and hard tissues, pulpitis is generally not directly diagnosable by CT because the pulp is located inside the tooth and inflammatory changes may not be clearly visible on CT images. However, CT is very useful in detecting evident caries or diagnosing severe periodontal disease, which are often causes of pulpitis, thereby allowing indirect suspicion of pulpitis. For a definitive diagnosis of pulpitis, clinical symptoms and other dental examination methods must also be considered.