A dental pulp polyp is inflamed tissue that grows from an open space on a tooth, often caused by an untreated cavity. It requires a root canal and dental crown, or extraction and prosthetic appliance. It does not respond to antibiotics and can cause complications if left untreated.
A dental pulp polyp, or chronic hyperplastic pulpitis, is swollen pinkish inflamed tissue that can be seen growing into the oral cavity from an open space on the outside of the tooth. It may eventually cover the exposed surface of the affected tooth. The abnormal growth is not reversible and does not respond to antibiotic treatment. The standard treatment of a pulp polyp is a root canal followed by the placement of a dental crown on the tooth. Severely damaged teeth may need to be extracted, and a prosthetic dental appliance is used to restore the normal appearance of a person’s teeth.
This type of polyp is often caused by an untreated cavity in a large tooth, such as a molar. Prolonged exposure to the bacteria that created the cavity causes irritation and inflammation of the dental pulp inside a tooth. Other common causes of a pulp polyp are a broken tooth, a missing filling, or a lost crown.
The appearance of a dental pulp polyp can vary widely. It can be smooth, soft and spongy, or bumpy. A pulp polyp can range in color from a whitish pink to a deep red. Often, the inflamed pulp can be seen protruding from the tooth surface through a break or carious lesion.
Dental pulp polyps are usually not very painful. Most of the pain experienced by a person with this type of polyp is caused by pressure on the surrounding gum tissue caused by the growth. Direct pressure on the polyp usually produces very little discomfort.
Pulp polyps have another unique feature. Unlike most infected and inflamed tissue, the pulp of the tooth does not necrotize or die as the infection progresses. The opening in the tooth surface allows the pulp polyp to continue growing. The dental pulp is typically well supplied with blood and nutrients, and without an enclosed space to restrict the growth of the polyp, the tissue does not die. In addition, the toxic substances produced by the cavity-causing bacteria are not trapped within the tissue, which allows the pulp to grow out of control.
Leaving a pulp polyp untreated could cause several complications. Infection of the surrounding gum tissue and abscesses may occur. The bacteria can invade other healthy teeth causing more cavities to develop, resulting in the need for further dental work. Eventually, the teeth may be too damaged to repair and the affected teeth may need to be extracted. The upper and lower denture plates can be used to restore the natural appearance of the teeth after the necessary extractions have been performed.
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