an inflammation of the dental pulp caused by an infection usually resulting from advanced dental caries. Pulpitis may also be caused by a trauma (for example, fracture of a tooth crown near the pulp) or chemical irritation (acids, formaldehyde). Pulpitis generally develops as an acute process. The principal symptom is sharp intermittent pain that frequently irradiates along the branches of the trigeminal nerve; the pain may simulate disease of the adjacent teeth. When left untreated, pulpitis results in periodontitis.

Treatment involves the complete or partial removal of the pulp after it is devitalized or anesthetized. Pulpitis can sometimes be cured and the pulp preserved if the patient visits a dentist promptly. The final stage of treatment is filling the tooth.