Pulpectomy

Pulp, the soft, inner-most portion of a tooth, is made up of blood vessels and nerves that help keep it vital. But every so often, while treating a tooth, the dentist may find it necessary do a pulpotomy, and then there are other situations when he or she believes a pulpectomy is the best treatment. These dental procedures sound similar but yet they are done for different reasons. So how does your dentist determine which procedure is best for you? What is a Pulpotomy?
Occasionally, while removing decay in a tooth that has a very deep cavity, a bit of the pulp tissue may be exposed. As long as the pulp in the roots of the tooth is healthy and not diseased in anyway, (no abscess or swelling) the dentist will remove the pulp in the crown of the …show more content…
A pulpectomy is the complete removal of all of the pulp tissue in a tooth and is the first step in root canal treatment. Dentists recommend root canal treatment after determining a tooth’s pulp is no longer vital and/or has become infected. Trauma, deep decay or a cracked tooth are often the culprits that affect your pulp’s health. When bacteria reach the pulp, infection can form an abscess and spread into the surrounding bone. And at this point, the only alternative treatment your dentist can offer you is to remove the tooth.
Root canal therapy involves removing all of the diseased pulp, both in the crown portion of the tooth and the roots, cleaning and enlarging the canals and finally filling them with a rubbery material called gutta percha. After root canal therapy, the tooth becomes more brittle and in many instances the tooth will need a crown.
Preventing the Need for Pulpal Therapy
Accidents that cause trauma to a tooth may be out of your control, but preventing cavities is something you and your family can easily do. Adhere to a strict home care routine to limit the decay causing bacteria in your mouth by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and use an antimicrobial mouth rinse like Colgate Total Advanced Pro-Shield Mouthwash. And when you and your family keep regular dental visits, problems can be found early when a small filling may be all that is

Show More

Related Documents: Pulpectomy

Dental Question Bank Essay