Vital Pulp Therapy (Pulpotomy)
We are committed to providing the highest quality dental care, including advanced treatments to preserve the vitality of your teeth. Vital pulp therapy (pulpotomy) is a specialized procedure to treat and maintain the health of the dental pulp, the living tissue within your teeth.
What is Vital Pulp Therapy?
Vital pulp therapy is a dental procedure that aims to treat and preserve the health of the dental pulp, which is the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. This therapy is typically performed when the dental pulp is injured or exposed due to dental caries (tooth decay), trauma, or other causes.
There are different types of vital pulp therapy, and the choice of treatment depends on the extent of pulp involvement. The main forms of vital pulp therapy include:
Direct Pulp Capping: This procedure is performed when a small area of the dental pulp is exposed due to a cavity or a minor injury. The dentist places a medicated material directly over the exposed pulp to encourage healing and the formation of a protective barrier.
Partial Pulpotomy (Capping): Also known as a “pulpotomy,” this procedure involves the removal of a portion of the damaged pulp, leaving the healthy portion intact. A medicated material is then placed to stimulate healing and protect the remaining pulp.
Pulpectomy: In cases where the entire pulp is affected, a pulpectomy may be performed. This involves the complete removal of the dental pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals. The empty space is then filled with a biocompatible material, and the tooth is often restored with a crown.
Signs You May Need a Pulpotomy
When the dental pulp becomes affected by injury, decay, or infection, it can manifest various symptoms. Experiencing any of these symptoms may indicate the need for vital pulp therapy:
- Heightened sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Unrelenting or recurring pain in the affected tooth
- Inflammation or tenderness around the affected tooth
- Darkening or discoloration of the affected tooth
Preserving Your Natural Teeth
One of the greatest advantages of vital pulp therapy is that it prevents the need for tooth extraction. Preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible is always better (and less costly). A pulpotomy is preferable to a full root canal when the pulp in the root is healthy because the procedure is less invasive.
Vital pulp therapy offers numerous other benefits, from eliminating pain and discomfort to preventing infections.