Unbiased oral health information

Diagnoses

Reversible pulpitis

Common treatment options

In most dental situations, you have the time to evaluate your treatment choices. No treatment is always an option, but may not be in your best interest. If you elect to be treated, there is often more than one way to proceed. Common treatment options for this diagnosis are listed on this page.

Reversible pulpitis often gets better without treatment. The dentist may recommend use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) if you can safely take them. Often, adjusting the bite on the affected tooth accelerates resolution of symptoms.

Depending on the cause, the dentist may also treat the tooth with desensitizing medication, and may recommend using sensitivity formula toothpaste until symptoms improve. An X-ray image is usually exposed to get a baseline record for comparison, should the tooth's symptoms not resolve. If the reversible pulpitis is being caused by cavities, fillings (or other restorative treatments) will be needed.

More information on dental procedures

Desensitizing medications
Dental procedure image: Desensitizing medications
Desensitizing medications applied by dentists plug the microscopic pores in teeth that cause sensitivity...
Equilibration
Dental procedure image: Occlusal adjustments
Equilibration involves adjusting the way teeth fit together, such that when the jaws are closed together, the forces on the teeth are approximately equal...
Fillings & core buildups
Dental procedure image: Fillings and core buildups
Fillings are among the most frequently prescribed and versatile methods of restoring damaged or decayed teeth to proper appearance and function...
Radiographs
Dental procedure image: Radiographs (X-rays)
Radiographs, ("X-rays") are used by dental health professionals to evaluate hard tissue (teeth and bones) for signs of disease process or abnormalities...