Both root canal and pulp therapy are among the most common endodontic procedures. But what is the difference between a root canal and pulp therapy? In this article, we discuss these two procedures and the cases in which they are used.
What Is the Difference Between a Root Canal and Pulp Therapy?
Both procedures, root canal therapy and pulp therapy, are used when the inner part of the tooth, the pulp, is affected by infection. However, the difference between the two procedures lies in the extent of the infection and what part of the pulp is affected. Let’s examine these two procedures in more detail.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is typically performed by a specialist called an endodontist. It is employed when the pulp inside the tooth is irreversibly damaged by infection or trauma (for example, in chipped or cracked teeth), but it can still be saved instead of being removed. During the procedure of a root canal, your dentist performs the following steps:
- Removal of all the pulp from the inner chambers of the tooth (the pulp is accessed through the crown of the tooth)
- Cleaning, disinfecting, and shaping root canals
- Filling the canals with a special biocompatible material
- Sealing the tooth
In cases of extensive damage, when a significant portion of the tooth’s structure is damaged, the procedure of root canal is followed by dental crown placement. A dental crown reinforces the tooth and protects it from further damage.
Pulp Therapy
Pulp therapy is used to treat inflamed, infected, or injured pulp of the tooth. It is most commonly performed on children’s teeth, especially baby teeth, but can also be applied to permanent teeth if the damage is not extensive. The two main procedures that the general term of pulp therapy can describe are:
- Pulpotomy: removal of the infected part of the pulp in the crown of the tooth, leaving the healthy root pulp intact
- Pulpectomy: removal of all pulp tissue from both the crown and root canals, typically followed by a filling
The main cases when pulp therapy is used include:
- The pulp of the tooth is only partially infected or inflamed
- The tooth is still developing
- For temporary baby teeth, when the goal is to preserve the tooth until it naturally falls out
Symptoms of Pulp Infection
Symptoms of pulp infection (also called pulpitis) typically include:
- Toothache (from mild to severe)
- Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages, or sugar
- Swelling of the gum tissue surrounding the infected tooth
- Swelling in the face or jaw on the side of the infected tooth
- Pus oozing from the space where the gum connects to the tooth, or pimples or cysts on the gums
- Discoloration or stains on the tooth (typically gray, brown, or black in cases of severe decay)
- Bad breath or unpleasant taste in the mouth that does not go away after brushing and flossing your teeth
- Fever (especially in advanced stages of infection and accompanied by other symptoms)
- Tender or swollen lymph nodes (especially in the surrounding areas—under the jaw or on the neck)
The severity and number of symptoms depend on the stage of the infection. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, consult your dentist as soon as possible. Left untreated for too long, pulp infection can lead to tooth loss and spread to the surrounding teeth, gum tissue, and even jawbone.
Make an Appointment Today
If you have signs of tooth decay, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with an experienced dentist at Absolute Family Dentistry today. Our specialists will carefully examine your case to determine the best course of action. We look forward to your visit.
