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Relieve Pain While
Saving the Pulp

Vital pulp therapy is a dental procedure that aims to preserve the health of the tooth’s pulp, the soft tissue inside your tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. It is typically used when a tooth has deep decay or has been injured, but the pulp is not yet irreversibly damaged. By treating the affected area early, the rest of the pulp can remain alive and functional. At ReGen Endodontics, our board-certified endodontists, Drs. Alabbas and Sarah Hussain, use next generation biocompatible material to perform pulp capping and pulpotomy to carefully remove only the inflamed portion of the tissue. This protects the remaining healthy pulp, encourages healing, and helps you avoid more extensive treatments like root canal therapy or extraction down the line. This procedure is primarily suited for young teeth.

Common Reasons for Vital Pulp Therapy

  • Deep tooth decay approaching the pulp
  • Recent dental trauma causing pulp exposure
  • Early signs of pulp inflammation without irreversible damage
  • Exposure of pulp during cavity preparation or accidental injury
  • Preserving vitality in immature permanent teeth

The Consequence of Avoiding Vital Pulp Therapy

Delaying or avoiding vital pulp therapy can lead to irreversible pulp damage, turning a simple fix into a complex problem. What starts as mild sensitivity or a cavity can quickly progress to infection, intense pain, or even abscess formation. Without timely treatment, you may need a full root canal, or worse, lose the tooth entirely. At ReGen Endodontics, we offer early, conservative care to save your natural tooth before the damage becomes severe.

Types of Vital Pulp Therapy

Pulp Capping

Pulp capping is used when decay or injury has brought bacteria close to the pulp but hasn’t caused irreversible damage. There are two types: indirect pulp capping, where a protective material is placed over a thin layer of remaining dentin, and direct pulp capping, where the material is placed directly over a small pulp exposure. In both cases, biocompatible materials are used to encourage healing, protect the pulp, and promote dentin formation.

Pulpotomy

Pulpotomy is performed when the pulp in the crown of the tooth is inflamed or infected, but the root pulp remains healthy. Our endodontists remove only the affected pulp from the upper chamber, leaving the healthy root pulp intact. A medicated dressing is applied to promote healing and maintain the vitality of the remaining pulp. Pulpotomies are often used in pediatric patients with developing teeth, but can also be an option for adults in select cases.

Benefits of Vital Pulp Therapy at ReGen Endodontics:

  • Greater chance of preserving your natural tooth
  • Reduced need for full root canal therapy
  • Early intervention with minimally invasive techniques
  • Increased comfort through advanced anesthesia and precision tools
  • Direct access to board-certified endodontists before and after treatment
  • Use of high-resolution CBCT imaging for accurate diagnosis
  • Support for continued root development in young patients

How Do I Know if I Need Vital Pulp Therapy?

You may need one of these procedures if you have a deep cavity, trauma to a tooth, or symptoms like sensitivity to temperature or sweets. Only a dental professional can determine this through a clinical exam and imaging. At ReGen Endodontics, we use advanced diagnostics to assess pulp health and recommend the most conservative, effective treatment.

Your Vital Pulp Therapy Experience

Consultation

Your visit begins with a comprehensive consultation with one of our board-certified endodontists. We’ll perform a detailed clinical exam, take digital X-rays or 3D CBCT imaging, and evaluate the extent of damage to the pulp. Using advanced diagnostic tools, we determine if your tooth is a good candidate for pulp therapy. You’ll receive a clear explanation of your diagnosis, treatment options, insurance coverage, and overall costs.

Treatment

Once the area is numbed with local anesthesia, we isolate the tooth using a rubber dam. For pulp capping, we remove decay and place a biocompatible material over the pulp or remaining dentin to encourage dentin formation. During a pulpotomy, we remove the inflamed pulp tissue from the crown portion of the tooth while leaving the healthy pulp intact. Finally, a permanent seal is placed with a biocompatible material followed by a permanent restoration.

Recovery

Recovery is usually quick. You might experience mild sensitivity or soreness, which typically resolves within a few days. We’ll give you post-treatment instructions and monitor healing during follow-up appointments. In most cases, your general dentist will place a final restoration, such as a crown, to seal and strengthen the tooth. Should you have any concerns, a provider at ReGen Endodontics is always available to support you after treatment.

Vital Pulp Therapy FAQs

What’s the Difference Between Pulp Capping and Pulpotomy?

Pulp capping is used when the pulp is irritated or slightly exposed, and it aims to preserve all the pulp tissue by placing a protective layer over it. Pulpotomy involves removing the inflamed pulp from the crown portion of the tooth while keeping the healthy root pulp intact. Both procedures are forms of vital pulp therapy, but are used based on the extent of the damage.

Is This Procedure Painful?

No, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during treatment. Most patients report minimal discomfort afterward, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication if needed.

Can Adults Receive Pulp Capping or Pulpotomy?

Yes, although these treatments are more common in children, adults can benefit too in select cases, especially if the pulp has not yet become irreversibly damaged. Early intervention can help you avoid more extensive treatments like root canal therapy.

Protect Your Smile With Vital Pulp Therapy

ReGen Endodontics is dedicated to preserving your natural teeth with compassionate care and state-of-the-art technology. Our board-certified endodontists, Drs. Alabbas and Sarah Hussain, use advanced techniques to treat early pulp damage conservatively, often avoiding the need for root canals. If you’re experiencing sensitivity or deep decay, schedule a consultation for pulp capping or pulpotomy in Morrisville or Garner, NC, today.

Pain Relief
Starts Here

Smarter Endodontics Starts at the Root

Contact Us 919-289-3636