disease of the pulp + periodontium Flashcards
Describe the process of pulp hyperaemia and how it may progress
When a tooth gets decay or trauma, there is increased blood supply to the pulp chamber
From there the pulp may recover, or develop into acute pulpitis
This may develop into acute apical periodontitis or chronic pulpitis
What are the clinical features of acute pulpitis?
Constant severe pain
Reacts to thermal stimuli
Poorly localised pain
Referral of pain
No (or minimal) response to analgesics
Define acute apical periodontitis
It is the spread of infection from within the pulp chamber to the apex of the tooth
How can acute apical periodontitis be diagnosed?
Tenderness to percussion
Non-vital tooth
Slight increase in mobility
Radiographs showing loss of clarity of lamina dura and radiucency shadow
What causes traumatic periodontitis?
Parafunction, such as tooth clenching or grinding
Describe the treatment for traumatic periodontitis
Occlusal adjustment and therapy for parafunction
What is an apical cyst?
It is a fluid-lined cavity that develops from a long-term chronic apical infection
What is the most common pus-producing infection?
The acute apical abscess
What are some possible causes of an acute apical abscess?
Periodontal abscess, pericoronitis, and sialadenitis
Describe the clinical features of an acute apical abscess
Severe unremitting pain
Acute tenderness in function and on percussion
No swelling
Redness
Heat
What are the 5 cardinal signs of inflammation?
Heat
Redness
Swelling
Pain
Loss of function
What happens once an acute apical abscess perforates through bone?
Pain often remits
Swelling, redness, and heat in the soft tissues becomes apparent
Tenderness to percussion reduces as pus escapes into the soft tissues
What factors determine the site of swelling in an acute apical abscess?
Position of the tooth in the arch
Root length
Muscle attachments
Potential spaces in proximity to the lesion
What is the treatment for irreversible pulpitis?
Root canal treatment or extraction
Define periapical granuloma
A mass of chronically inflamed granulation tissue located at the apex of a tooth, consisting of plasma cells, lymphocytes, histiocytes, fibroblasts, and capillaries