Knowledge catalog
TreatmentK04.0dentistry

Acute Pulpitis — Treatment

Reversible and irreversible inflammatory conditions of the dental pulp

Treatment

Reversible Pulpitis

Remove causative factor; allow pulp healing

  • Caries removal and placement of biocompatible liner (calcium hydroxide, MTA)
  • Replacement of defective restorations
  • Indirect pulp capping with calcium silicate cements
  • Review in 6-8 weeks to confirm pulp recovery
  • Patient education on oral hygiene

Irreversible Pulpitis

Root canal treatment (pulpectomy and obturation)

  • Local anesthesia (often supplemental: PDL injection, intraosseous, intrapulpal)
  • Access cavity preparation through crown
  • Pulp chamber opening and canal orifice identification
  • Working length determination (apex locator + radiograph)
  • Canal shaping with NiTi rotary files
  • Irrigation with 5.25% NaOCl, 17% EDTA, final rinse with chlorhexidine
  • Calcium hydroxide intracanal medicament for 1-2 weeks
  • Obturation with gutta-percha and sealer (lateral or warm vertical condensation)
  • Coronal restoration (composite or crown for posterior teeth)