What Is Pulp Therapy?

The pulp of a tooth is the inner central core of the tooth.  The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, connective tissue and reparative cells.  The purpose of the pulp therapy is to maintain the vitality of the affected tooth so the tooth is not lost.

Dental caries (cavities) and traumatic injury are the main reasons for a tooth to require pulp therapy.  The two most common forms of pulp therapy in children’s teeth are the pulpotomy or pulpectomy.

A pulpotomy removes the diseased pulp tissue within the crown portion of the tooth.  Next, an agent is placed to prevent bacterial growth and to calm the remaining nerve tissue.  This is followed by a final restoration such as a stainless steel crown.

A pulpectomy is required when the entire pulp is involved (into the root canals of the tooth).  During this treatment, the diseased pulp tissue is completely removed from the tooth.  The canals are cleansed, disinfected and filled with a resorbable material.  Then, a stainless steel crown is placed.