When the dental pulp gets infected, the “battle” between the bacteria and the pulp begins. Either the defensive mechanism of the pulp or the bacteria can win the "battle". If the bacteria prevail, they destroy and devitalize the pulp with great chance of expanding the inflammation to the jaws. The inflammation, depending on the stage, is manifested with several symptoms such as pain, localized or referred, acute sharp or dull, automatic or provoked, with sensitivity or not, to hot or cold. Some other times it is manifested with swelling in the soft tissues around the tooth, with a fistula and possible color change of the dental crown.

Development of periapical inflammation

Often the symptoms are intense and a visit to the dentist is required and urgent. The termination of the pulp inflammation of the tooth requires endodontic treatment. The correct endodontic treatment will completely remedy the problem and in time will also heal any possible bone damage which may have been created in the periapical tooth area.