You have a tooth that’s giving you trouble. Maybe it throbs
periodically throughout the day or maybe it sends zingers shooting through your
whole mouth when you bite down. Very often, toothaches are caused by deep
cavities and, in many cases, your dentist will recommend a root canal to remove
the source of infection. However, if caught early enough, you may be eligible
for a pulp cap, a conservative alternative to root canal therapy that can help
you avoid more invasive (and expensive) treatments.
A Closer Look at Pulp Capping
The most common cause of a toothache is severe decay that has
descended into the nerve-filled inner layer of the tooth, called the pulp. The
most common treatment for deep decay is root canal therapy, a complex procedure
that involves removing the infected pulp tissue, filling in the empty tooth
chamber, and sealing the tooth off with a crown, inlay, or onlay. If the decay
is caught just as it reaches the pulp, though, a pulp cap can stop the
infection from descending further into the tooth. There are two kinds of pulp
caps your dentist can place:
- Direct pulp cap: If the pulp is exposed, your dentist can place a filling material
(usually a preparation of calcium hydroxide) directly on the area to protect
it. Direct pulp caps work best on patients who have exposed pulp due to
traumatic injury rather than decay. - Indirect pulp cap: If the pulp is still covered by a thin layer of dentin, an
indirect pulp cap is placed to protect the interior of the tooth.
The Pros and Cons of Pulp Caps
If it’s successful, pulp capping offers a significantly more
affordable, more conservative alternative to root canal therapy. This restorative
technique represents a major advance in dentistry and a ray of hope for people
who dread the thought of a full root canal. It should be noted, though, that
pulp capping has an average success rate of 60%, meaning that approximately 40%
of patients will still have to undergo root canal to save the tooth.
About David Tillman, DDS
Drawing from a wealth of continuing education and hands-on
experience, Dr. David Tillman and his staff are committed to providing
individuals and families with exceptional general, restorative, and cosmetic
dental care from our Fort Worth, TX
dentist’s office. To schedule an appointment or complimentary consultation
to discuss alternatives to root canal therapy, call us today at (817) 870-4746.
Located in the heart of the Downtown Fort Worth medical district, we proudly
serve patients from across the Metroplex.