Root canal treatment is something that is performed routinely by dental specialists, and is the process of removing the inner pulp from a tooth because it has become diseased. As you might expect from the name, a pulpectomy is also a procedure where tooth pulp is taken out, and the two procedures are closely related.
However, a pulpectomy is slightly different, and can be thought of as a partial root canal. When full root canal treatment is performed, all of the pulp and root is treated, whereas in a pulpectomy, only the upper part where the top of the nerve is will be affected.
Pulpectomy in Milk Teeth
One case where a pulpectomy is more commonly used is when the affected tooth is a child’s baby tooth. The pulp has a more important role in growing teeth, as it supplies what the tooth needs to continue to grow, but equally, because the teeth themselves are not permanent, there is often less of a need to take measures like a full root canal to save them.
Pulpectomy As Palliative Treatment
In adults, pulpectomies are usually done when the patient is in acute pain due to an infected tooth. The pulpectomy will provide relief from the pain, however a full root canal is likely to be needed at a later date to fully resolve the underlying problems with the tooth in question and to prevent further flare-ups. Once a full root canal has been done and the pulp is replaced with a synthetic material, the tooth is as strong and functional as normal, and further infection in it is unlikely.
In terms of the patient’s experience, a pulpectomy and a root canal are very similar. Both are done with a local anesthetic, and dental implements like drills are used to work on the tooth. As a root canal is the more detailed procedure, however, it generally takes longer than a pulpectomy. Neither procedure is painful because of the local anesthesia administered, and aside from some soreness, there isn’t much discomfort in recovery, either – in fact these procedures relieve pain, rather than causing it!
If you are in need of treatment for a tooth, the best thing to do is get in contact with us right away so that we can schedule you an appointment with the best New York based root canal dental specialist!
If you need dental care, call one of the best root canal dentists in New York at 646-205-3045. Our offices are available to help you to get the support and care you need to improve your oral health and protect your teeth.