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The pulp of a tooth, often referred to as the "nerve" of the tooth, is the soft tissue located inside. This vital tissue houses nerves, blood vessels, connective tissue, and reparative cells. In pediatric dentistry, pulp therapy aims to preserve the vitality of affected teeth until they naturally exfoliate (fall out).
Cavities (caries) and traumatic injuries are the primary reasons why a tooth may require pulp therapy.
Pulp therapy is commonly known as a "baby root canal" and includes procedures like pulpotomy and pulpectomy.
A pulpotomy involves the removal of diseased pulp tissue located within the crown portion of the tooth. Afterward, a disinfecting agent is applied to calm any remaining nerve tissue. The procedure concludes with the placement of a final restoration, typically a stainless steel crown.
In contrast, a pulpectomy becomes necessary when the entire pulp is affected, extending into the root canals of the tooth. During this treatment, all diseased pulp tissue from both the crown and root is completely removed. The canals are meticulously cleansed, medicated, and, in the case of primary teeth, filled with a resorbable material. Finally, a final restoration, often a stainless steel crown, is fitted to complete the process.
