Pulp Capping and Pulpotomy Treatment in Prescott

Pulp capping and pulpotomy are both dental procedures that treat and save the tooth’s pulp when it’s affected by decay or by a dental injury. Pulp capping is done when the decay is very close to the pulp but hasn’t quite reached it yet. A protective layer is placed over the area to help the pulp heal. A pulpotomy is needed when decay or injury has reached the pulp. This procedure removes the diseased part of the pulp to prevent further infection while also keeping the healthy part of the tooth.

Pulp capping is usually used when the decay is deep in the tooth’s pulp, but the pulp is still healthy. This procedure is preventative which means its main goal is to prevent a full root canal. This procedure is successful when the pulp has not been infected with the bacteria.

For the pulpotomy procedure, the endodontist will remove the part of the pulp that is infected with the bacteria. Then, they will disinfect the area with a therapeutic dressing to make sure that the pulp that is left, stays healthy. This type of procedure is most common in children, but can also be used for adults as well.

This would depend on the severity of the decay and the health of the tooth. Some symptoms will include sensitivity to hot and cold, spontaneous pain, or discoloration in the tooth that may indicate damage to the pulp. The endodontist will be sure to do a thorough exam as well as x-rays to make sure that this is the correct course of treatment.

Both procedures are done under local anesthesia, so it is unlikely that you will feel any pain. It is normal to experience some sensitivity after the procedure, but this should be managed through over-the-counter pain medications.

The materials for the pulp capping procedure would include calcium hydroxide or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). These types of materials will help heal the tooth. For this procedure, after removing the decayed pulp, the material is placed and the healing process will begin.

After the procedure, it is normal to feel some discomfort or sensitivity for a few days. We recommend visiting the office for follow-up appointments so the doctor can make any adjustments if needed.

The success rate for this procedure is very high, especially when it is done on teeth that have no bacterial infection. The most important thing for the success of the procedure is early detection and making sure that the material is sealed properly.

In some cases, it is necessary to need a crown after a pulpotomy especially for the back teeth as they endure more chewing. This will add more protection and strength to the tooth. For the pulp capping procedure, it may not be necessary for a crown to be placed unless the tooth structure is weakened.

It is important to practice good oral hygiene habits which include regular brushing and flossing twice daily. Try not to chew hard foods until the teeth are fully restored. It’s important to make sure you are going to the follow-ups and regular visits to make sure that the dentist will be able to monitor progress and make any changes if needed.