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SAN ANTONIO

210-944-8111

17026 Bulverde Rd. #102
San Antonio, TX 78247

SAN MARCOS

512-353-5500

1320 Wonder World Dr. #103
San Marcos, TX 78666

SAN ANTONIO | 210-944-8111
SAN MARCOS | 512-353-5500

SAN ANTONIO | 210-944-8111       
SAN MARCOS |
512-353-5500

What is pulp therapy?

Apr 15, 2020 | Pediatric Dentistry

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 pulp therapy in Pediatric Dentistry 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. Pulp therapy is often referred to as a “nerve treatment”, “children’s root canal”, “pulpectomy” or “pulpotomy”. The two common forms of pulp therapy in children’s teeth are the pulpotomy and 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 (usually a stainless steel crown).

A pulpectomy is required when the entire pulp is involved (into the root canal(s) of the tooth). During this treatment, the diseased pulp tissue is completely removed from both the crown and root. The canals are cleansed, disinfected and, in the case of primary teeth, filled with a resorbable material. Then, a final restoration is placed. A permanent tooth would be filled with a non-resorbing material.