4 signs of tooth decay into the pulp and ways to treat it completely

Tran Hoai Nam

21/10/2026

Professional Consulting

D. Hoàng Hữu Vĩ

Dentist

See details Register for examination

Tooth decay into the pulp causes severe pain, especially when chewing or at night. If not treated promptly, the pulp can become inflamed and necrotic, leading to widespread infection and permanent tooth loss. This article will help you recognize the signs through each stage, understand the harmful effects of self-treatment at home and find the safest and most effective root canal treatment method at the dentist.

NỘI DUNG BÀI VIẾT

If you want to learn more about the signs and treatment of tooth decay into the pulp, you can refer to the video sharing knowledge from the doctor here:

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay is a pathological process that destroys the hard structure of the tooth (enamel and dentin), forming deep holes on the surface. The main cause is the attack of bacteria, especially Streptococcus Mutans. They convert sugars and starches from food left in the mouth into acids. This acid gradually erodes the minerals of the teeth, starting the tooth decay process.

When small cavities are not detected and filled in time, bacteria will continue their invasion into the deeper layers inside. Their final and most dangerous destination is the tooth pulp.

When bacteria have overcome the enamel and dentin barrier to attack the pulp chamber, the condition will become extremely serious, causing inflammation and pain.

Sâu răng là quá trình bệnh lý phá hủy cấu trúc cứng của răng (men răng và ngà răng), tạo thành các lỗ sâu trên bề mặt

Tooth decay is a pathological process that destroys the hard structure of the tooth (enamel and dentin), forming cavities on the surface

Signs of tooth decay entering the pulp through each stage stage

The process of tooth decay into the pulp does not happen overnight but progresses through many stages. Early recognition of the signs at each stage will help make the treatment process simpler, less expensive and more effective.

Các giai đoạn khi sâu răng vào tuỷ

Stages when tooth decay enters the pulp

Stage 1: Dentin caries

When the bacteria have overcome the enamel layer and begin to attack the dentin layer, the dentin layer is exposed, the dentinal tubules containing dentin fluid and sensory nerve endings are directly stimulated.

Sensitive feeling when eating hot, cold, sour, sweet foods.
Pain only appears when there is stimulation and stops when stimulation stops.
Small cavities can be seen on the tooth surface.

At this stage, the tooth can still be preserved quite easily. easy. The doctor will remove the deep tissue and fill it with cosmetic material. If it is close to the pulp, biological materials such asBiodentinorMTAcan be used to cover the pulp and protect the spinal cord inside.

Stage 2: Reversible pulpitis

When bacteria approach or just enter the pulp chamber, the pulp begins to be inflamed but is not seriously damaged. Symptoms include:

Dull, episodic pain, often occurring when exposed to food or when brushing teeth.
Pain may decrease after the stimulation ends.
The pulp still has the ability to recover if treated promptly.

The doctor will perform a pulpectomy and use biological materials to preserve the pulp. This method helps keep the pulp tissue alive, minimizing damage to the tooth.

Stage 3: Irreversible pulpitis

This is the stage that most people often call pulp caries with the most typical and intense symptoms. The tooth pulp has become seriously infected and is no longer able to restore itself. Signs include:

Severe, constant pain, spreading to the ear or temple.
Pain increases at night, which can cause insomnia.
Tooth pain when chewing, feeling like the tooth is raised from the jaw.

This periodneed to be doneRoot canal treatment (endodontics)entire root canal. This process includes removing inflamed pulp tissue, shaping and cleaning the root canal, then sealing it with specialized materials to prevent bacteria from re-entering.

Stage 4: Pulp necrosis

When the irreversible pulpitis stage is not intervened, the blood vessels and nerves in the pulp will completely die. The tooth pulp has died, becoming a reservoir of bacteria. Bacteria and their toxins escape through the tooth's apex, causing infection in the surrounding jawbone. Signs include:

You may no longer feel pain, but your teeth may change color to gray or darker.
Pustules appear on the gums (pus fistula).
Bad breath, bad breath.
Facial swelling, fever, or widespread pain may occur if the infection is severe.

Treatment at this stage becomes more complicated. The doctor needs to clean the root canal system thoroughly and can use intrathecal medication in multiple appointments to kill bacteria. After treatment, porcelain crowns are often needed to restore chewing function and protect weak teeth.

Mistake when treating root canal cavities at home

When faced with toothaches, many people, because they are afraid of the cost or afraid of going to the dentist, look for folk remedies or buy medicine on their own. This is an extremely dangerous mistake.

Warning about folk tricks

Methods such as sucking medicinal wine, applying garlic, using betel leaves, areca nuts... only have a temporary local anesthetic effect, making you feel like the pain is relieved. They are completely unable to kill bacteria hiding deep inside the tooth structure.
While you are "temporarily at peace" with the pain, bacteria continue to destroy your teeth, pushing the condition from mild to severe, from reversible pulpitis to irreversible, even necrosis. Not to mention, some methods can also cause burns to the gums and soft tissue irritation.

Các bài thuốc dân gian chỉ có tác dụng gây tê tạm thời tại chỗ khiến cô chú anh chị có cảm giác cơn đau thuyên giảm

Folk remedies only have a temporary local anesthetic effect, making you feel like the pain is relieved

Dangers from arbitrarily using drugs

Pain relievers:Only work to hide symptoms, do not solve the root of the problem, which is pulp infection. Overuse of pain relievers can harm the liver, kidneys and stomach.
Antibiotics:Purchasing and using antibiotics without a doctor's prescription to treat toothache is extremely dangerous. Not only is it ineffective when the inflammation is deep in the tooth, but it also leads to antibiotic resistance - a global health problem. At that time, treating future infections will become extremely difficult.

The only way to completely treat tooth decay into the pulp is to see a dentist. Only professional intervention methods can completely remove the infection, preserve your tooth and prevent dangerous complications. If you are choosing effective dental implant come to Lac Viet Intech immediately!

For detailed examination and advice on your dental condition, as well as early detection of the risk of tooth decay into the pulp, make an appointment with the team of experienced experts at Lac Viet Intech Dental Clinic today!