Have you ever heard the term pulpotomy? Maybe your dentist mentioned it at some point, or you saw it on a pamphlet in their office. To help develop your understanding of the word pulpotomy, we will start with the discussion of the inner tooth. The tooth pulp is the combination of the softer elements in each of your teeth—blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves. It’s important to take care of tooth pulp, as their associated nerves send pain signals to the brain when teeth are overused or damaged by severe decay. A pulpotomy is a less invasive procedure than a root canal, but both may be recommended when tooth pulp health is involved. Searching for pulpotomy or root canal therapy in Ellicott City, Maryland? Access Endodontics can help. Contact Dr. Lina Jarboe, Dr. Burton Waxman, and their dedicated team at 410.304.7226 or contact our team online.
What Is a Pulpotomy?
If you feel tooth pain when cold, hot, or sweet things touch your teeth, it may mean that you have pulpitis. This condition is the inflammation of pulp in your teeth, with its main cause being untreated cavities. In fact, tooth sensitivity like this is usually the first sign that you may have decay. Your child’s dentist will likely recommend a pulpotomy if they discover untreated tooth decay that has affected the pulp in your child’s teeth. With this said, what is the meaning of “pulpotomy” and how is it different from a pulpectomy?
A pulpotomy is a dental procedure in which the pulp of the tooth in the crown, the part of the tooth that is visible, is removed and the pulp in the root canal is left intact. This procedure is performed on children’s primary teeth (baby teeth) and is used to treat tooth decay that has extended to the pulp. A pulpectomy, on the other hand, is a partial root canal to remove pulp tissue that is irreversibly infected or necrotic due to decay or traumatic injury.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Now that you know the definition and meaning of pulpotomy, you can easily differentiate it from a pulpectomy, which is a limited root canal treatment. A pulpectomy is done to:
- Eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal
- Prevent reinfection of the tooth
- Save the natural tooth
When a patient undergoes a root canal procedure, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected before it’s refilled and sealed.
Don’t be afraid if your dentist recommends a root canal treatment. A pulpectomy, these days, is nothing like root canal procedures your parents and grandparents remember. A modern pulpectomy is very similar to a routine filling procedure and can usually be completed in one or two dental appointments depending on the condition of the tooth and the patient’s personal circumstances. You’ll be back to biting, chewing, and smiling with ease in no time.
When Should You Consider Pulpotomy or Root Canal Therapy?
Now that you know the definitions of pulpotomy, pulpectomy and root canal therapy, the terms will be easier to understand when speaking with a dentist. Your dentist is highly trained and will recommend a specialist to meet your needs, should they not be able to perform the treatment themselves.
Contact the Access Endodontics Team Today
If you’re looking for pulpotomy or root canal therapy in Ellicott City, Maryland, Dr. Lina Jarboe, Dr. Burton Waxman, and their dedicated team today. You can call 410.304.7226 or reach out to our team online.