title: Bacterial infections of pulp and periodontal origin.
abstract: The anatomical and structural characteristics of the pulp make this structure prone to altering as a result of, for instance, periodontal conditions (proximity), iatrogenic alterations, infections and involvement of vascular and nerve structures (it is surrounded by hard tissues that prevent expansion), to name just a few. Pulpitis is a process that courses with pain of varying intensity that allows us to determine the location of the lesion in clinical terms. Its evolution varies and may even progress to pulpar necrosis that in turn, produces neuritis-like pain. Diagnosis is established by means of clinical symptomatology and supported by X-rays, palpation of tissues at painful sites, application of electrical stimuli, heat, etc. Periodontitis is a bacterial infection originating in the apex. The most important form is the so-called acute apical periodontitis that arises as a result of a prior episode of pulpitis. It is characterized by acute pain located in the tooth, accompanied by the feeling of having a long-tooth. The patient refers being unable to chew on that side; there may be painful mobility of the tooth and an outflow of pus that alleviates symptoms. X-rays do not provide a lot of information, but may attest to a widening of the apical space. This pathology may disseminate to surrounding tissues, leading to conditions of considerable severity.
authors.affiliation: Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Granada, Granada. Magonzal@ugr.es
authors.forename: Miguel Angel
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: González-Moles
authors.forename: Nabila M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: González
mesh_terms: D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D003790:Dental Pulp Necrosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D003791:Dental Pulp Test; D006801:Humans; D010485:Periapical Periodontitis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D011671:Pulpitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology