Pulp Capping

Pulp Capping

Our team may recommend pulp capping if the root pulp of your tooth has become infected. As an alternative to a traditional root canal, pulp capping seals off healthy root pulp to help heal damaged root tissue. Call Family Smiles Dental Care today at 248-853-2222 for more information about pulp capping in Rochester Hills, MI, and to schedule a consultation with our dentist.

Your dental pulp is incredibly important to your oral health. The pulp contains the nerves and blood vessels that keep your tooth alive and allow it to function properly. When your tooth is injured or decayed, the dental pulp can become exposed to harmful bacteria, causing it to become infected and die. If your tooth and dental pulp have sustained damage, our dentist may recommend resolving the problem and restoring your oral health with pulp capping.

Pulp capping is an endodontic treatment and is often recommended as an alternative to root canal therapy. This treatment works to protect the tooth by cutting the bacteria in your mouth off from your dental pulp and preserving your tooth tissues.

There are two main types of pulp caps:

  • Direct Pulp Caps — Direct caps are recommended when decay or trauma has exposed the pulp and involve using a special material to seal the pulp chamber and prevent any further damage from occurring.
  • Indirect Pulp Caps — Indirect caps are usually recommended when our dentist and team come close to exposing the dental pulp while removing tooth decay. An indirect cap will form a seal over the tooth to prevent pulp exposure from occurring and help protect the tooth from sustaining any further damage.

If you have any questions about pulp capping or if you want to schedule an appointment with our experienced dentist, please contact our office today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pulp capping, and when is it recommended as an alternative to a root canal?

Pulp capping is an endodontic treatment used to protect and preserve the dental pulp when it has become exposed due to decay or trauma. It seals off healthy root pulp to help heal damaged root tissue and prevent further infection. Our dentist may recommend pulp capping as an alternative to traditional root canal therapy when the tooth and pulp have sustained damage but are not yet severely infected. By cutting off bacteria from the dental pulp, pulp capping aims to save the tooth and maintain its functionality.

What are the different types of pulp capping, and how do they work?

There are two main types of pulp capping:

  • Direct Pulp Caps: This type is recommended when the pulp has been exposed due to decay or trauma. The dentist uses a special material to seal the pulp chamber directly, preventing any further damage and infection.
  • Indirect Pulp Caps: This type is recommended when decay removal comes close to exposing the pulp. The dentist places a seal over the tooth to protect it and prevent pulp exposure, thereby preserving the tooth’s health and functionality.

Both types of pulp capping aim to protect the dental pulp and avoid the need for more extensive treatments like root canals. If you have any questions or wish to schedule a consultation, please contact Family Smiles Dental Care at 248-853-2222.

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