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Do you know a damaged or infected tooth can be saved without extraction? Vital pulp therapy helps save your natural teeth by treating the tooth pulp or inner soft tissue while keeping the healthy gum tissues intact. It protects you from the lengthy healing period of alternative oral treatments such as dental implants or root canal therapy.
Patients with deep cavities, trauma, or early signs of pulp damage will benefit from vital pulp therapy. But the real challenge lies in that very few know how it works. Worry not! This blog is here to shed light on how vital pulp therapy works. Is that right for you? Read on to make an informed decision about your dental health:
What Is Vital Pulp Therapy?
Vital pulp therapy focuses on preserving the living tissue inside a tooth. When a cavity damages the crown, it’s common to think the tooth pulp is also damaged. But the spread of infection takes time. You can save your tooth if you get the therapy before the infection spreads deep into the tooth root. Dentists opt for this therapy when the tooth pulp is inflamed but not severely infected. The procedure removes affected tissues while keeping the healthy pulp intact. Your natural tooth remains functional.
Types of Vital Pulp Therapy
Vital pulp therapy can look different to different patients based on the severity of the pulp damage. Dentists choose the best treatment depending on your tooth’s condition:
Indirect Pulp Capping: A protective layer covers the soft pulp tissue for healing without exposing the pulp.
Direct Pulp Capping, also known as pulpotomy, involves sealing a small portion of the exposed pulp with biocompatible materials. The dental professional removes the infected pulp while keeping the healthy portion intact. This procedure is effective for both children’s and adults’ teeth.
Who Can Benefit from Vital Pulp Therapy?
Vital pulp therapy is not for everyone. This treatment might not be recommended if a patient has an abscess or swelling around the infected tooth. This treatment works best for patients with:
- Deep cavities that are still at the surface level
- Mild pulp inflammation without severe infection
- Cracked or injured teeth with exposed pulp
Benefits
Studies show that vital pulp therapy (VPT) has a success rate that ranges from 81% to 93%. While it may not be a treatment as talked about as a root canal or dental implant, it’s genuinely a miraculous treatment that can restore your dental health. Its advantages include:
- Preserving natural tooth structure for better oral function
- Preventing costly root canals or extractions.
- Promoting regular healthy tooth root development in younger patients
- Reducing discomfort that comes with invasive oral treatments
Vital pulp therapy can save your natural tooth and prevent unnecessary tooth extractions and invasive oral treatments. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or deep cavities, consult a dentist to determine if this option suits your needs. Keeping natural teeth healthy leads to better oral health and long-term comfort.
