The pulp in your child’s teeth is the central core of the tooth, consisting of nerves and blood vessels. It is responsible for providing blood supply and nourishment to the tooth. Teeth affected by caries or injury can lead to pulpal involvement.
Pulp infection is effectively treated through pulp therapy by our highly qualified dentist in Jackson Heights, New York. The prime goal is to maintain the integrity and health of the tooth and the supporting structures.
What is pulp therapy?
Pulp therapy is a common dental procedure in children, which is also known as pulpotomy, pulpectomy, and nerve treatment. The prime objective of this procedure is to eliminate infection and restore and save the affected tooth. It significantly reduces the risk of dental extractions.
Pulp therapy can be performed for both primary (baby) and permanent teeth. Though the primary teeth eventually shed off, they are essential for proper mastication and speech and to guide the proper alignment and spacing of permanent teeth.
What are the signs of pulp infection?
Pulp infection can be extremely distressing since it is accompanied by a series of signs and symptoms. These include the following:
- Excruciating, constant, unexplained pain
- Radiating pain to the jaws and ears
- Increased pain at night time
- Extreme tooth sensitivity to hot and cold food temperature
- Swelling, redness, and tenderness around the affected tooth
- Unexplained mobility of the affected tooth
What is the procedure involved in pulp therapy?
The nature of pulp therapy depends greatly on the exact location and extent of the infection. Pulp therapy can be performed in two ways, such as:
Pulpotomy
- This involves the removal of only the coronal part of the pulp, leaving the pulp tissues in the root intact.
- The removed portion is then replaced with a therapeutic material to soothe the pulp root.
- This is later filled with a biocompatible material and restored with a crown.
- The crown strengthens the tooth structure, minimizing the risk of future fractures
Pulpectomy
- This procedure involves the removal of the complete pulp tissue, including the root canals.
- The root canals are cleansed and packed with a biocompatible material.
- A resorbable material is used to fill primary teeth, while the permanent teeth are filled with a non-resorbable material.
- This is finally restored with a tooth-colored crown.
Bottom line
Despite the modern advances in preventive dentistry, many children suffer from caries and eventual tooth loss. Losing a tooth prematurely can have several adverse effects, posing a risk for permanent dentition too. Pulp therapy treats the affected tooth to maintain the integrity and health of oral tissues.