Acute pulpitis may occur as a result of parodontitis. We assume that bacteria infect the pulpa from the depths of a parodontal pocket via fine side canals. In the case of simultaneously occurring caries or fillings near the pulpa, differential diagnosis is difficult.

The destruction of a pulpa (as a result of caries) may also result in an inflammation of the marginal parodont. A successful endodontal therapy (root canal treatment) causes the symptoms of parodontitis (gingival reddening/swelling, increased percussion sensitivity) to abate.