An endodontist is a highly skilled dentist who focuses on saving teeth. Endodontists can perform particular procedures to restore health to a damaged tooth. These include pulpotomies and pulpectomies. Read on to learn more about a pulpotomy and a pulpectomy.
Pulpotomies and pulpectomies can both be recommended for decay, trauma or infection that has reached the tooth’s pulp. But these procedures are not the same. People who need any of them should see a dentist or endodontist. A person should know what the procedures involve so that the individual can make an informed decision. Here are some of the differences between the procedures.
During a pulpotomy, a health care provider removes the coronal pulp from a person’s tooth. This pulp sits within the main part of a person’s tooth, above the gumline. A pulpotomy is recommended for teeth that are still alive. The teeth should respond to temperature and also have sensation and vascular flow.
For the procedure to be effective, there should be no abscess in the region. There should also be no bone loss under the tooth or spontaneous pain. Most times, this procedure is done on baby teeth with pulp damage. But it can also be performed on permanent teeth with either trauma or cavities that reach the pulp.
A pulpectomy involves the removal of the pulp from all parts of a tooth. This includes pulp in the roots. This procedure is performed on teeth that are not alive. A pulpectomy can help treat primary teeth with dead pulp.
It can also treat permanent teeth with infected pulp or abscesses. This procedure involves the removal of all the contents of the inner chamber of the tooth. It often cleans the entire root canal. This protects it from further infection.
An endodontist or a general dentist may perform these procedures on adult or baby teeth. Pediatric dentists also use them to treat young adult teeth and baby teeth. Both of these procedures involve a local anesthesia injection. This helps to numb the area of the mouth and tooth being treated. Once numbed, the health care provider will remove the dental decay from the tooth and then clear the pulp of bacteria. A rubber dam is usually used to isolate a person’s tooth from the rest of the mouth.
After receiving either one of the procedures, the tooth may be vulnerable to fracture, continued pain or discoloration. A person may also experience some discomfort from the inflamed tissue. A health care provider may recommend pain medication to provide relief. Afterward, the dentist will continue monitoring the patient’s healing. X-rays of the treated tooth may be obtained every six months.
If you are experiencing any dental problems, talk to your dentist. For a pulpotomy or pulpectomy, your dentist will provide guidance if you need either of them. The goal of these procedures is to provide pain relief. They can also help restore your dental health as well as tooth function. You and your dentist should work together to ensure that you receive the care you need.
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