How to diagnose pulpitis
Disease description:
My child always complains of toothache at night. I'm not sure if it's pulpitis. How can pulpitis be diagnosed?
The diagnosis of pulpitis is mainly based on the following aspects:
1. Clinical symptoms: Typical symptoms of pulpitis include pain caused by cold or hot stimuli, spontaneous pain, nocturnal pain, and radiating pain. The pain is often severe and difficult to relieve, especially worsening at night or upon exposure to temperature changes.
2. Physical examination: The dentist will perform an oral examination to check for deep caries, hidden cracks, or deep periodontal pockets in the affected tooth, as well as any discoloration or pain response to temperature stimuli.
3. Pulp vitality test: Pulp vitality is assessed using electrical stimulation. Reduced or absent pulp vitality may indicate pulpitis.
4. Imaging examination: Dental X-rays help identify carious lesions at the root area and any resorption of the alveolar bone, aiding in the diagnosis of pulpitis.
Once diagnosed, timely treatment should be provided to relieve the patient's discomfort.