Pulpal Therapy in Knoxville, TN
Is your child complaining of tooth pain? Are your child’s teeth super sensitive to foods or drinks that are cold, hot or sweet? If you answered yes to either question, your child could have pulpitis. This condition is caused when a cavity reaches the pulp in the center of the tooth. Tooth pulp is full of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues. When cavities or trauma damage nerves in the pulp, the result is inflammation and discomfort. Pulpal therapy will relieve the pain and stop the decay from spreading.
Book an AppointmentWhat is pulpal therapy?
Pulpal therapy removes the infected pulp and restores teeth damaged by cavities or trauma. It is also known as therapeutic pulpotomy, pulpectomy, baby root canal treatment or nerve treatment. Pulpal therapy for primary teeth allows your child to keep their teeth until they are naturally ready to fall out, but it can also be used for permanent teeth. If the decay or trauma is too extensive for pulpal therapy then the next option is tooth extraction.
What is the difference between a root canal and a pulpotomy?
The main difference is the depth of pulp decay. If the decay remains in the crown, the procedure is called a pulpotomy. A pulpectomy or pediatric root canal is necessary when the decay in the pulp has moved beyond the tooth’s crown deeper into the root. The first treatment step removes the decayed pulp from the tooth. The second step disinfects the tooth cavity and treats any remaining pulp with medication to prevent infection. Finally, depending on the procedure, the tooth will be filled with a resorbable material or topped with a dental crown.
Are root canals on baby teeth necessary?
Some people may wonder why bother with pulpal therapy on children when their primary teeth will fall out. However, baby teeth play very important roles and problems can develop when they fall out prematurely. Keeping baby teeth in place helps to guide permanent teeth into their proper place, facilitates speech development and makes it easier to eat foods necessary for good nutrition.
Get in TouchGentle care at Children’s Dentistry of Knoxville
Dr. Phillips and Dr. Britton both want your child to have a positive experience at the dentist. They are skilled at pulpal therapy procedures and will make sure you understand each treatment when deciding which is the best option for your child. We offer several types of sedation to ensure your child’s comfort during their procedure.
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