Pulp necrosis | Necrosis

Pulp necrosis

The dental pulp is located inside a tooth and contains the nerves and blood vessels that supply the tooth. Pulp necrosis is an inflammation of the dental pulp, for example due to the immigration of bacteria. This leads to swelling of the pulp, which causes an impression of the blood vessels and severe pain (pressure on nerves).

The reduced blood flow to the pulp results in an undersupply of oxygen and cell death (necrosis). Pulp necrosis is treated by reaming the tooth. This reduces the resulting pressure and restores the blood circulation.

Necrosis of the gums

Necrosis of the gums usually occurs in the form of necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG) or necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis (NUP) and requires urgent treatment, otherwise there is a risk of the infection spreading to the bones. In contrast to NUG, which only affects the gums (gingiva), NUP infection has already spread to the periodontium and is therefore more advanced and threatening. Both diseases manifest themselves by sudden, severe pain, soreness, bleeding and reddish-greyish discoloration. Gum necrosis can be prevented by adequate oral hygiene, abstaining from smoking and strengthening the immune system.

Necrosis in the jawbone

Jaw necrosis is caused by the dying of the jaw bone, whereby it usually lies open and becomes visible when the oral cavity is viewed. Jaw necrosis is caused, for example, by inflammation or injury of the jaw bone and often heals very poorly. Especially in recent years, the iatrogenic (medically induced) development of jaw necrosis has become increasingly relevant.

For example, radiation and chemotherapies in cancer treatment play a major role in causing bone necrosis. Bisphosphonates, which are used in osteoporosis, can also cause jaw necrosis and are therefore mainly prescribed in palliative medicine.