What is Pulp Therapy?

The “pulp” of a tooth cannot be seen with the naked eye. Pulp is found at the center of each tooth, and is comprised of nerves, tissue, and many blood vessels, which work to channel vital nutrients and oxygen.  There are several ways in which pulp can be damaged.  Most commonly in children, tooth decay or traumatic injury lead to painful pulp exposure and inflammation.

Pediatric pulp therapy is known by several other names, including: root canal, pulpotomy, pulpectomy, and nerve treatment.  The primary goal of pulp therapy is to treat, restore, and save the affected tooth.

Pediatric dentists perform pulp therapy on both primary (baby) teeth and permanent teeth.  Though primary teeth are eventually shed, they are needed for speech production, proper chewing, and to guide the proper alignment and spacing of permanent teeth.

What are the signs of pulp injury and infection?

Inflamed or injured pulp is exceptionally painful.  Even if the source of the pain isn’t visible, it will quickly become obvious that the child needs to see the pediatric dentist.

Here are some of the other signs to look for:

  • Constant unexplained pain.
  • Nighttime pain.
  • Sensitivity to warm and cool food temperatures.
  • Swelling or redness around the affected tooth.
  • Unexpected looseness or mobility of the affected tooth.

When should a child undergo pulp therapy?

Every situation is unique.  The pediatric dentist assesses the age of the child, the positioning of the tooth, and the general health of the child before making a recommendation to extract the tooth or to save it via pulp therapy.

Some of the undesirable consequences of prematurely extracted/missing teeth are listed below:

  • Arch length may shorten.
  • In the case of primary tooth loss, permanent teeth may lack sufficient space to emerge.
  • Opposing teeth may grow in a protruding or undesirable way.
  • Premolars may become painfully impacted.
  • Remaining teeth may “move” to fill the gap.
  • The tongue may posture abnormally.

How is pulp therapy performed?

Initially, the pediatric dentist will perform visual examinations and evaluate X-rays of the affected areas.  The amount and location of pulp damage dictates the nature of the treatment.  Although there are several other treatments available, the pediatric pulpotomy and pulpectomy procedures are among the most common performed.

Pulpotomy - If the pulp root remains unaffected by injury or decay, meaning that the problem is isolated in the pulp tip, the pediatric dentist may leave the healthy part alone and only remove the affected pulp and surrounding tooth decay.  The resulting gap is then filled with a biocompatible, therapeutic material, which prevents infection and soothes the pulp root. Most commonly, a crown is placed on the tooth after treatment.  The crown strengthens the tooth structure, minimizing the risk of future fractures.

Pulpotomy treatment is extremely versatile.  It can be performed as a standalone treatment on baby teeth and growing permanent teeth, or as the initial step in a full root canal treatment.

Pulpectomy - In the case of severe tooth decay or trauma, the entire tooth pulp (including the root canals) may be affected.  In these circumstances, the pediatric dentist must remove the pulp, cleanse the root canals, and then pack the area with biocompatible material.  This usually takes several office visits.

In general, reabsorbable material is used to fill primary teeth, and non-reabsorbable material is used to fill permanent teeth.  Either way, the final treatment step is to place a crown on the tooth to add strength and provide structural support.  The crown can be disguised with a natural-colored covering, if the child prefers.

If you have questions or concerns about the pediatric pulp therapy procedure, please contact your pediatric dentist.

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Testimonials

Professional and clean practice with caring doctors and friendly team at Kahala Smile Professionals. They take time to review treatment plans and options until your happy with any decision. They look out for the interest of the patient!

I'm so grateful for Dr. Candace and Robert Wada. I switched to their services after sustaining injury to my face in 2018. After 8hrs in the emergency room, I was sent on my way with a few missing teeth. My dentist was out of town, and a friend referred me to Dr. Wada. My accident and injury was traumatizing enough. Having my teeth repaired the same day by such kind people made a major difference in my recovery.

I love Kahala Smile Professionals!!

Rhonda J

Caring, knowledgeable, using cutting edge technology and professional dentists. Over the past several years, everyone in this office from the receptionists, to the dental hygienists and dentists, care about my over all well being and oral health. From the moment you walk in they've continued to make me feel like family, because they care about my over all health, by remembering me and my needs. Recommending healthy food, flossing and brushing at least twice a day has helped me to not have a cavity for several years. Also Dr. Robert recently made me a mouth piece that I can't sleep with out. He made an excellent fit. The office is very clean, efficient and everyone takes precautions to help me feel safe. With my extremely busy lifestyle, I appreciate the reminders before appointments. I give my highest recommendation of these Dentists.

Jasmine M.

I recently moved here from the mainland and was looking for a Dentist. Upon some research online, I decided on Dr. Candace Wada. My first visit was such a amazing experience, that I actually held off write a review because, I had a second visit soon after and I wanted to see if the service and experience was consistent. Now that I have visited Dr. Wada twice, I can genuine say that this is the best Dental practice that I have ever been to yet. Not only is the staff here extremely pleasant to deal with but they are very helpful with booking the appointments all the way through with follow-ups. Dr. Wada was very knowledgeable, experience and dedicated to her patient. She educate her patient and explains the procedures to them in simple terms, so that her patients fully understands. I never felt pressured during my whole experience and was very appreciative of Dr. Wada recommendations. I am truly happy that I found Dr. Wada and all the professional staff at Kahala Smile Professionals. Keep up the great work!

J. L.

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