Pulp therapy and root canal treatment are both dental procedures used to treat issues within the tooth, but they serve different purposes and are used in distinct situations.
What's Pulp Therapy?
Pulp therapy, often used in pediatric dentistry, is a procedure aimed at maintaining the vitality of the affected tooth so that it can continue to develop properly.
Pulp therapy involves removing the diseased or injured pulp from the crown portion of the tooth, leaving the root canals untouched. The procedure is often followed by placing a crown to protect the tooth.
What's a Root Canal?
Unlike pulp therapy, a root canal involves cleaning the entire pulp chamber and the root canals, removing all the tissue to prevent further infection or damage.
Key Differences: Pulp Therapy vs. Root Canal Treatment
Purpose and Use: Pulp therapy is about preserving the vitality of a tooth, primarily used in children, while root canal treatment is about removing all the pulp tissue from the tooth, typically in adults.
Procedure Scope: Pulp therapy involves treating only the pulp in the crown part of the tooth, whereas root canal treatment involves cleaning and sealing the entire pulp chamber and root canals.
Target Age Group: Pulp therapy is more common in children, while root canal treatments are often performed on adult teeth.
Contact Our Pediatric Dentist in Castle Pines and Highlands Ranch
Contact us today to schedule your child's appointment, and Dr. Sierk will determine the best treatment for your little one's needs in Highlands Ranch or Castle Pines.