Pulp Therapy
What is a Pulpotomy?
This procedure is similar to a full root canal, with the understanding that the filler material must be resorbable to allow for the natural loss of the baby tooth and gain of the permanent tooth. It is a common procedure performed on anterior (front) baby teeth, as a consequence of cavity or injury, resulting in nerve exposure.
It is again important to have radiographic evidence that there is not a shortening of the root length. Full cleaning and light filing of the nerve walls is performed before a resorbable material is placed to the full length of the root. A full coverage crown is usually placed after if insufficient tooth material remains.
CVEK PULPOTOMY
Vital minimal nerve removal to preserve continued development of young permanent teeth
This is an incredible way to manage injury or bacterial exposure into the nerve for young, developing permanent teeth. As parents, we all are concerned about these realities. We hope to assure you that should a small portion of the nerve be exposed as a result of an injury or the removal of a cavity, Dr. Karen is prepared for immediate attention. This procedure involves the removal of 1-2mm of affected/exposed nerve material, coverage with biocompatible MTA and closed with a glass ionomer filling material. Our practice uses only the whitest of MTA materials to avoid the common discoloration seen in some MTA material options.
We encourage a close relationship with our trusted endodontists (root canal specialist), alongside our management, to monitor proper, continued root development and continued nerve vitality (health).
LESION STERILIZATION TECHNIQUE
Research based non-vital pulpotomy treatment alternative to pulpectomy
*NOTE: this is not always an eligible option as it requires full primary root length*
This is a partial removal process of the coronal part of the nerve (similar to a vital pulpotomy), in which the radiograph shows pathology between the roots, but the root lengths are not yet showing resorption (shortening) as a response to the infected radicular nerve tissue. Similar to a vital pulpotomy, a putty of medicated material is placed to provide continued health to the radicular nerve tissue deliberately remaining until the baby tooth are naturally lost. The putty is a host of three antibiotics that are placed in intimate contact with the remaining nerve stumps and sealed over before completing a final full-coverage treatment option.
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