Also, crowns made entirely of porcelain or similar material have a slightly greater tendency to break than those made of metal. Pulpitis Pulpitis is painful inflammation of the tooth pulp, the innermost part of the tooth that contains the nerves and blood supply. Because the pulp is encased in the unyielding walls of the tooth, it has no room to swell when it becomes inflamed. It can only increase the pressure inside the tooth. Mild inflammation, if relieved, may not damage the tooth permanently.
Severe inflammation kills the pulp.
Increased pressure may push the pulp out through the end of the root where it can injure the jawbone and surrounding tissues. Symptoms and Diagnosis Pulpitis causes intense tooth pain. To determine if the pulp is healthy enough to save, a dentist can perform certain tests. For example, a dentist can apply a cold stimulus. If the resulting pain from the stimulus stops within a few seconds after the cold stimulus is removed, the pulp is still healthy.