What is the difference between pulpotomy and pulp? - AbuMaizar Dental Roots Clinic

In dental health, there are numerous terms and procedures that can sometimes leave patients feeling confused or overwhelmed.

“Pulpotomy” and “pulp” are terms that come up when discussing dental pulp treatment. While both are related to the pulp, they are certainly different.

Understanding the difference between pulpotomy and pulp is really important for patients seeking appropriate dental care and for those interested in gaining insight into these dental procedures. In this article, we will together explore the definitions, functions, and distinctions of pulpotomy and pulp.

What is the difference between pulpotomy and pulp?

Pulpotomy and pulp are two distinct terms related to dental anatomy and treatment, specifically focusing on the innermost part of a tooth known as the dental pulp.

The dental “pulp” refers to the soft, living tissue located within the tooth. It consists of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. The pulp plays an important role in tooth development and transmitting different types of sensory perception to the brain, including; signals of pain, pressure, and temperature.

While a “pulpotomy” is a dental procedure that involves the partial removal of the infected or inflamed pulp from the crown portion of a tooth while preserving the healthy pulp in the root canals. It is typically performed on baby teeth (primary teeth) when decay or trauma affects the pulp. The remaining healthy pulp is then covered with a medicated filling to promote healing and maintain the tooth’s function until it naturally exfoliates.

In summary, pulp refers to the entire soft tissue within a tooth, while pulpotomy is a specific procedure that selectively removes the diseased pulp from the crown of a tooth, allowing the remaining healthy pulp to support the tooth’s structure and function.

Is pulp therapy same as pulpotomy?

Pulp therapy and pulpotomy are similar terms that are used in dentistry, yet both of them have distinct differences.

Pulp therapy refers to a broad term including various treatment approaches for teeth with diseased or damaged pulp and a primary goal of maintaining the health and function of the affected tooth and preventing the spread of infection and preserving the integrity of the surrounding tissues. Pulp therapy can include pulpotomy, pulpectomy, and other techniques tailored to the specific condition of the tooth.

However, pulpotomy as we mentioned earlier, is a specific term related to a procedure that is considered one of the approaches of pulp therapy!

In short terms, while pulpotomy is a specific type of pulp therapy, not all pulp therapy procedures are pulpotomies.

What is the difference between pulp extirpation and pulpotomy?

Although pulp extirpation and pulpotomy share the common objective of addressing problems within the tooth pulp, they are two distinct procedures in the field of endodontics and have notable differences between them.

Pulp Extirpation, also known as root canal treatment or pulpectomy, is a procedure performed to remove the entire dental pulp from a tooth. It is typically carried out when the pulp is irreversibly damaged or infected due to deep decay, trauma, or extensive dental procedures.

During pulp extirpation, the dentist removes the whole pulp tissue from both the crown and root canals of the tooth, thoroughly cleaning and shaping the canals, and then filling them with a biocompatible material. The tooth is then typically restored with a filling or crown to regain its functionality and structural integrity.

Pulpotomy: On the other hand, a pulpotomy is a more conservative procedure that involves the partial removal of the affected pulp tissue, specifically from the crown portion of a tooth. 

In pulpotomy, the root canals and surrounding tissues remain healthy! This healthy tissue preserves the vitality and function of the pulp within the root canals.
while the root canals and surrounding tissues remain healthy. The goal of pulpotomy is to remove the diseased pulp, specifically the coronal pulp, and preserve the vitality and function of the remaining healthy pulp within the root canals. 

In summary, pulp extirpation involves the complete removal of the dental pulp from a tooth, while pulpotomy focuses on the partial removal of the diseased pulp specifically from the crown portion of a tooth while preserving the healthy pulp in the root canals. The extent of pulp involvement and the condition of the tooth, added to the patient’s specific dental needs are crucial when the decision between pulp extirpation and pulpotomy is being made.

How much of the pulp is removed in a pulpotomy?

A pulpotomy procedure aims to eliminate the diseased or infected pulp from the crown (coronal) portion of a tooth, and as we mentioned earlier in the article, the rest of the pulp (typically the part of pulp within the root canals) is healthy and thus not removed during this operation.

In pulpotomy, we remove diseased pulp until bleeding is controlled.

What is the difference between a pulpotomy and a filling?

The pulpotomy aims to remove the diseased or infected pulp tissue from the crown of the tooth while preserving the healthy pulp in the root canals.

After the removal of the affected pulp, a medicated dressing is typically placed to promote healing, and the remaining healthy pulp is left to support the vitality and function of the tooth. Finally, the tooth is restored using a filling or crown to maintain its structure and functionality until it naturally exfoliates.

A filling, also known as dental restoration or dental filling, aims to restore the tooth’s shape, strength and function; it’s done when a tooth has experienced damage or decay that results in a cavity or hole in the tooth structure.

The filling is used to restore the tooth’s shape, strength, and function by filling the cavity after the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth is removed. The process involves cleaning the cavity, preparing the tooth surface, and then filling the space with a suitable material, such as composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain.

The filling material is hardened or bonded to the tooth, providing stability, preventing further decay, and restoring the tooth’s natural appearance.

In summary, while both procedures address issues within a tooth, a pulpotomy focuses on removing the affected pulp from the crown portion of a baby tooth while preserving the healthy pulp in the root canals. A filling, on the other hand, is performed to restore a tooth that has a cavity or damage by removing the decayed or damaged part and filling it with an appropriate material.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between all of the terms we’ve talked about helps patients make informed decisions about their dental care and collaborate effectively with their dental professionals to achieve optimal oral health.

Book your appointment with Dr.Hasan AbuMaizar

As a patient, trying to get the best when it comes to your dental well-being, visit the Dental Roots Clinic where your oral care is in the hands of a skilled professional; Dr.Hasan AbuMaizar, an experienced endodontic consultant.

At Dental Roots, you can be sure of receiving expert care that is tailored to your specific needs!

Schedule your appointment today and experience the high-quality personalized dental treatment whether you require pulpotomy, pulp therapy, or any other specialized endodontic treatment, Dr Hasan and his team at Dental Roots Clinic are equipped with every need to help you.