mouth and dental disorders
Pulpitis
Introduction
Pulpitis is painful inflammation of the tooth pulp, the innermost part of the tooth that contains the nerves and blood supply. (See also Overview of Tooth Disorders .) The most common cause of pulpitis is tooth decay, and the second most common cause is injury. Mild inflammation, if relieved, may not damage the pulp permanently. Severe inflammation may cause the pulp to die. Pulpitis may lead to infection, in which a pocket of pus ( Periapical Abscess ) develops at the root of the tooth. An untreated infection in a tooth may spread to the jaw or to other areas of the body (such as the brain or sinuses). 