It is no surprise if you aren’t familiar with pulp capping. It’s not nearly as common a dental procedure as filling a cavity or even having a root canal. Yet, in some cases, capping may offer a viable alternative to root canal treatment. So let’s take a closer look.
Tooth decay is among the most common oral issues. On finding a cavity, the standard treatment involves using a dental instrument to remove the decayed tooth material. But sometimes decay goes deep inside the tooth, infecting the pulp. Once pulp tissue has become infected, the only way to save the tooth is through root canal treatment.
But in certain situations, healthy pulp tissue may become exposed or nearly exposed, even when the decay hasn’t penetrated the pulp chamber. That’s when a pulp capping procedure comes along the way.
There are two types of pulp capping procedures: “direct” and “indirect.”
Direct capping
A direct pulp capping procedure is carried out when the pulp tissue is exposed. During the first step, the affected tooth is isolated from the rest of the mouth, and the decay is removed. In case pulp tissue is exposed, the pulp will bleed. After the bleeding stops, the tooth is cleaned and dried. At last, a filling or another type of restoration is placed on the tooth to bring it back to proper function.
Indirect capping
During indirect pulp capping, most of the decayed tooth material is removed, but a small portion of it is left in place, covering the pulp tissue. Next, the dentist places a temporary filling on the tooth. After a few months, this temporary restoration is removed. Finally, a permanent restoration is given to the tooth.
The good part about pulp capping is lower cost and less invasiveness than root canal treatment. The bad part is that some patients will still require a root canal after the capping procedure.
For more details, call Sima Dental Family Dental Center, at 281-457-6444