Pulp Therapy
The “pulp” of the tooth is the inner central core of the tooth.
It consists of blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. Cavities
and injury are the main causes for a tooth to require “pulp therapy”.
Pulp therapy is used to maintain the vitality of the affected tooth so
the tooth is not lost. The two most common examples of pulp therapy
are often referred to as “pulpectomy” or “pulpotomy”.
A pulpectomy is required when the entire pulp is involved into
the root canal of the tooth. The diseased pulp tissue is completely
removed from both the crown and the root. The canals are then cleansed,
disinfected and if in a primary tooth, filled with a material that
resorbs. Then a final restoration is placed. A permanent tooth would
be filled with a material that does not resorb.
A pulpotomy removes the diseased pulp tissue in the crown portion of
the tooth. Then an agent is placed to prevent bacterial growth and
to calm the remaining nerve tissue. This is followed with a final
restoration such as a stainless steel crown.
Back to Patient Education
New Location Opening in Fall
Our new office at Cedar Crest will be open on October 5, 2010.