Acute or chronic inflammation of the pulp. Can be suppurative and could lead to necrotic pulp.

Clinical Features

Throbbing continuous or intermittent toothache which is worse at night. Sometimes the pain is aggravated by hot or cold drinks. It is usually due to dental caries or trauma.

Investigations

• X-ray: Intraoral

• Pulp testing.

Management

• Give analgesics e.g. paracetamol 1 gm TDS for 3 days or in severe cases give indomethacin 25 mg TDS for 3 days

• When associated with abscess give amoxycillin 500 mg TDS for 5 days

• Find the cause and extent of damage.

REFER If no response to treatment.