Pulp Capping Treatment

Pulp capping and pulpotomy are conservative procedures used to preserve the vitality of a tooth when the pulp has been exposed or is at risk of exposure from deep decay or trauma. In direct pulp capping, a biocompatible material is placed directly over a small pulp exposure to encourage the formation of a protective barrier of hard tissue. In indirect pulp capping, a thin layer of decay is intentionally left over the pulp and sealed beneath a biocompatible material to avoid exposing the pulp during caries removal. A pulpotomy goes a step further, removing the inflamed portion of pulp in the crown of the tooth while leaving the healthy pulp in the roots intact, which is particularly important in immature teeth where continued root development depends on a living pulp.

At Tri-City Endodontics, the decision between pulp capping, pulpotomy, and full root canal therapy is based on the extent of decay or injury, the condition of the pulp at the time of treatment, and findings from clinical and radiographic examination. Materials used include calcium hydroxide, mineral trioxide aggregate, and bioceramic products such as Biodentine, each selected based on the specific clinical situation. The treated tooth is sealed with a well-fitting restoration to prevent bacterial contamination, since the long-term success of vital pulp therapy depends as much on the quality of the seal as on the procedure itself. Follow-up visits monitor the pulp response over time, since a tooth that initially responds well can later require root canal therapy if symptoms develop or if imaging shows changes at the root.

Dr. Malhan and the Tri-City Endodontics team receive referrals from general dentists and pediatric dentists throughout the Tri-Cities region for vital pulp therapy, particularly in cases involving deep decay close to the pulp, traumatic pulp exposures, and immature teeth with incomplete root development. Patients and parents are informed of the realistic prognosis before treatment, including the possibility that the tooth may need root canal therapy in the future if the pulp does not respond as expected, so decisions are made with a clear understanding of what vital pulp therapy can and cannot accomplish