Diseases of the Pulp

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to diseases of the pulp, along with their definitions.

Pulp

The innermost part of the tooth consisting of fibroblasts, blood vessels, nerves, reticular and collagen fibers, and odontoblasts.

Fibroblast

A type of cell found in the pulp that produces fibers.

Odontoblast

Cells in the pulp responsible for the production of dentin.

Hyperemia

An increase in the amount of blood in the blood vessels of the pulp, often the first sign of distress and reversible.

Electric Pulp Tester

A device used to assess the vitality of the pulp by measuring electrical impulses in response to pressure.

Pulpitis

An inflammation of the pulp that can be classified as acute or chronic.

Acute Suppurative Pulpitis

Acute inflammation of the unexposed pulp characterized by the accumulation of pus.

Chronic Hyperplastic Pulpitis

Chronic inflammation resulting in the growth of tissue protruding from the pulp chamber as a red mass.

Necrosis

The death of tissue cells, can occur as caseous or liquefaction necrosis.

Gangrene

A type of necrosis characterized by decay of body tissue, can be moist or dry.

Putrefaction

The anaerobic breakdown of organic matter caused by bacteria and fungi, leading to foul-smelling products.

Reversible Pulpitis

A condition marked by mild to moderate pain that subsides once the irritant is removed.

Irreversible Pulpitis

A condition characterized by intense, lingering pain that requires treatment such as pulpectomy or extraction.

Dental Granuloma

An extension of pulp inflammation that may be asymptomatic or slightly painful.

Radicular Cyst

The most common form of dental cyst, associated with the tooth apex, often asymptomatic.

Periapical Abscess

An acute dental condition characterized by pus accumulation near the tooth root.

Cholesteatoma

A rare periapical radiolucency consisting of dense masses of cholesterol crystals.