Inflammation of teeth

Tooth inflammation can affect the pulp inside a tooth or the tissues around its root, often because of decay, a crack, trauma, or bacterial infection.

The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels; inflammation can progress through the root tip into the periodontal ligament and surrounding bone.

A dentist uses sensitivity, bite, percussion, gum, and imaging tests, then treats the cause with a filling, root canal treatment, or extraction when restoration is impossible.

Seek care for lingering thermal pain, spontaneous throbbing, biting pain, swelling, or a gum boil; fever or facial swelling needs urgent attention.

Ask whether the pulp or root tissues are inflamed, what the tests show, and whether the tooth can be restored.