Endodontic Procedures

Vital pulp therapy is a dental treatment aimed at preserving the health and function of the pulp (the innermost part of a tooth containing nerves and blood vessels) in a tooth that has been compromised but not irreversibly damaged.

The goal is to allow the tooth to heal and maintain its vitality, thereby avoiding more invasive treatments, like root canal therapy. Common techniques in vital pulp therapy include direct pulp capping, indirect pulp capping, and pulpotomy.

The blood vessels, nerves, and tissue that keep a tooth healthy and alive are located in the tooth’s pulp, which is protected by the outer enamel and tooth structure. Sometimes the pulp can become infected. The infected pulp can be removed with a pulpotomy. Because this procedure is often performed on deciduous (baby) teeth, it is sometimes referred to as a baby root canal.

Regenerative endodontics is a specialized procedure that focuses on regenerating the pulp tissue inside a tooth that has been affected by trauma or decay. Unlike traditional root canal therapy, which removes the infected pulp entirely, regenerative endodontics facilitates the body’s natural healing processes to restore the tooth’s vitality and function.

This minimally invasive technique is particularly beneficial for younger patients whose teeth are still developing, as it promotes continued root growth and strengthens the tooth structure. However, adults with eligible cases can also benefit from this treatment.

Tooth root resorption is when the tissue of a tooth’s root starts breaking down and dissolving, often due to injury or disease. This can lead to tooth instability or loss if not treated.