Medigy: Dental Pulp Capping

Dental pulp capping is a procedure used to preserve and protect the dental pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels) when it has been exposed due to tooth decay or injury. The goal of pulp capping is to induce the formation of a protective barrier over the exposed pulp, and to preserve the vitality of the tooth.

The procedure typically involves the following steps:

Anesthesia: The patient will be given local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area.

Preparation of the tooth: The dentist will remove any decay or damaged tooth structure, and then prepare the exposed pulp for capping.

Capping: Once the tooth is prepared, the dentist will place a protective material over the exposed pulp. This can be done using various materials, such as calcium hydroxide, mineral trioxide aggregate, or a composite resin.

Restoration: After the pulp has been capped, the dentist will restore the tooth with a filling or a crown to protect the tooth and prevent further decay.

Dental pulp capping is considered a conservative treatment option for preserving the vitality of a tooth with exposed pulp. It is considered less invasive than a root canal treatment, which is usually recommended when the pulp has died or is severely infected.

However, it is important to note that dental pulp capping is not always successful, and in some cases, a root canal treatment may be necessary if the pulp becomes infected or dies. The success of the procedure depends on the extent of the exposure, the cause of the exposure and the type of material used for the capping.