Pulp Capping Procedures

Pulp capping procedures are minimally invasive procedures designed to preserve the vitality of dental pulp when dental decay is in close proximity of pulp.  It is important to treat tooth decay early so tooth structure can be preserved as much as possible. As decay advances to close proximity of tooth pulp, root canal therapy may be indicated. The decision, after a thorough examination, is based on radiologic evaluation, the amount of tooth destruction by decay but most importantly on symptoms that patient feels. Not every tooth sensitivity or deep cavity should be subjected to root canal treatment. When the tooth is asymptomatic or has sensitivity of a short duration on cold input that only diminishes immediately after the trigger is removed, such tooth makes the best candidate for pulp capping procedure. In those favorable circumstances the best it to have infected part of the tooth or tooth decay very carefully removed and the place in closest proximity to tooth nerve treated with specific medicated dressing. Then tooth is temporarily closed with sealed restoration/filling.  Very careful removal of infected dentin is absolutely crucial in this procedure. The medicated dressing is most often Calcium Hydroxide, which initiates formation of reparative dentin within 30 days after treatment. The tooth can actually rebuild itself with this protective barrier and maintain healthy nerve or tooth vitality.

If this step is not done and bacteria crosses into tooth pulp, the nerve becomes infected and condition progresses into irreversible pulpitis. That is associated with pain, which can vary in intensity. Treatment of such affected tooth then requires root canal treatment or tooth extraction.

There are two main pulp capping procedures: direct pulp capping (dressing is placed directly on the tooth pulp) and indirect pulp capping (dressing is placed on top of the dentin). According to East Setauket dentists, the length of this procedure will vary based on extend of tooth decay.  This procedure involves longer treatment time, requires very high skills, precision and knowledge. Effective pulp capping procedures save tooth vitality and prolong significantly teeth health

Pulp capping procedures are corner stone of minimally invasive philosophy in preserving dental health. The focus is on maintaining as much of the tooth structure as possible, as well as doing so through a minimally invasive and minimally painful procedure. 

East Setauket dental procedures

East Setauket dentists are those particularly skilled dentists you need for such procedures like pulp capping. After receiving care each patient will understand what it means to be such a skilled, artistic dentist when the procedure is over. East Setauket dentists are saving patient teeth from irreversible pulpitis and need of much more invasive root canal treatment and future tooth loss.

Through pulp capping procedures and other methods of preserving dental health, East Setauket dentists are able to set a patient up to take better care of their teeth in the future. Once the tooth pulp is healed (dentists will usually monitor the progress up to a year after the procedure), dentists will focus on teaching patients how to properly care for their teeth to avoid problems in the future.

You want your dental care to be done by the most skilled dentists in the business. That way, you know the doctors will take the time to save your tooth by careful, minimally invasive treatment, saving as much of the tooth structure as possible, instead of simply removing possibly unnecessary tooth structure. Their work will leave you feeling much more confident in your smile and much more educated in terms of your dental care.

MANHATTAN

  • ROCKEFELLER CENTER
  • 630 5th Avenue, Suite 1860
  • New York, NY 10111
  • (212) 765-7340
Manhattan Appointments Rockefeller Gallery

EAST SETAUKET

  • STONY BROOK TECHNOLOGY PARK
  • 196 Belle Meade Road, Suite 6
  • East Setauket, NY 11733
  • (631) 246-8080
Setauket Appointments Setauket Gallery