The pulp is a jelly-like center of each tooth which consists of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. It provides nutrition to the tooth. Any infection, or trauma to the tooth, if left untreated, can expose the pulp. This can be treated through pulp therapy.
Dental specialists provide quality dental care in Tukwila, which offers pulp therapy for primary teeth in young patients.
What is pulp therapy?
Infection or high-impact trauma is one of the leading causes of pulp exposure. Tooth decay if left untreated can lead to seepage of bacteria into the deeper layers of the tooth, thereby exposing the pulp.
Symptoms of pulp involvement include:
- Extreme pain
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages
- Sensitivity to sweet foods and drinks
- Dental abscess
- Fever
- Unexpected nobility of the affected tooth
Pulp involvement usually requires pulp therapy to treat, restore, and save the affected tooth.
When is pulp therapy indicated?
The decision to extract the tooth or save it via pulp therapy depends on your dentist. Your child’s oral cavity will be examined, and factors like age, positioning of the teeth, and the general health of your child are important to determine if he/she is an ideal candidate for pulp therapy.
Pulpal involvement of tooth decay usually requires pulp therapy.
If you choose extraction over pulp therapy, the following undesirable consequences may occur:
- Arch length may shorten
- The opposing tooth in an undesirable manner
- Primary tooth extraction may cause tilting of the adjacent teeth in the extraction space. This may impact permanent teeth eruption that may lack sufficient space to emerge
- The tongue may posture abnormally
- Premolars may become painfully impacted
How is pulp therapy performed?
The extent of tooth damage will be determined through a physical exam and X-rays of your child’s oral cavity.
There are two types of pulp therapies, namely:
Pulpotomy
- This is recommended if the infection is confined to the pulp tip, and the roots are free from inflammation.
- The dentist will remove the infected pulp and surrounding tooth decay.
- It is then restored with biocompatible, medicated material that soothes the pulp root.
- A protective crown is placed to strengthen the tooth.
Pulpectomy
- This is performed in case of severe tooth decay when the entire tooth pulp is removed.
- The root canals are cleansed and packed with biocompatible material.
- Primary teeth are filled with resorbable material, while permanent teeth are filled with non-resorbable material.
- Finally, a crown will be placed on the tooth to add structural support.
Consult a dental specialist for proper diagnosis, evaluation and treatment in case of any infection or high-impact dental trauma that could increase your risk of pulp infection.