Cavity Treatment

Early Detection and Treatment of Cavities are Crucial.

In the early stages, cavities usually cause little to no noticeable symptoms. However, as they progress, the following symptoms may appear.

• Sensitivity to cold or sweet foods.
• Pain when biting
• Throbbing pain even when doing nothing.

If you experience any of these symptoms, please visit a dental clinic as soon as possible. This is because treating the problem at an early stage may allow the nerve to be preserved. We recommend early action rather than postponing treatment because “you can still tolerate it.”

What is Nerve-Preserving Cavity Treatment “Pulp Capping”?

When a cavity progresses deeply, treatment to remove the nerve (pulpectomy) is generally required. However, removing the nerve may shorten the lifespan of the tooth. Therefore, our clinic uses the pulp capping method to preserve the nerve whenever possible.

Specifically, pulp capping is a treatment in which, after removing the decay, a dedicated medicament is placed near the nerve to promote protection and recovery of the nerve.

Types of Pulp Capping.

There are mainly two types of pulp capping methods, as follows.

• Indirect pulp capping: Used when the nerve is not exposed.
• Direct pulp capping: Used when the nerve is slightly exposed.

Each method is explained in detail below.

“Provisional Diagnosis” to Determine if the Nerve Can be Preserved.

The key to successful pulp capping is accurately assessing the condition of the nerve. Therefore, our clinic has introduced “watchful waiting diagnosis” and carefully monitors the nerve condition.

First, after removing the decay, we place a medicament and seal it with a temporary filling, then observe the tooth for several days to several weeks. During this period, we check for changes in symptoms such as the following.

• Presence or absence of pain.
• Reaction to cold or warm stimuli.
• Discomfort when biting.

In addition, we confirm whether the nerve is still alive through tests such as electric pulp testing and thermal testing. By combining multiple methods in this way, a more accurate diagnosis is possible.

Procedure for Indirect Pulp Capping.

Indirect pulp capping is performed when the cavity is large but the nerve is not exposed. First, we carefully remove the decay while using caries detector dye. Next, we place materials such as MTA cement or calcium hydroxide near the nerve. This can be expected to provide the following benefits.

• Protecting the nerve.
• Preventing bacterial invasion.
• Promoting dentin regeneration.

MTA cement is highly biocompatible and is also recommended for those searching for terms such as “MTA cement Mita.”

Procedure for Direct Pulp Capping.

On the other hand, if the nerve becomes exposed while removing the decay, we perform direct pulp capping. First, we administer local anesthesia. Then we place a medicament on the exposed nerve and seal it with a temporary filling. After that, we monitor the progress and check for changes in pain and responses.

Flow of Cavity Treatment.

At our clinic, cavity treatment proceeds in the following steps.

1. Examination: First, we confirm the depth of the cavity and the condition of the nerve through X-rays and visual inspection.
2. Anesthesia: Next, we reduce pain using topical anesthesia and an electric anesthetic device.
3. Caries removal: Then, we carefully remove the decay while staining it with caries detector dye.
4. Confirming the distance to the nerve: We then determine the most appropriate treatment method based on the distance to the nerve.
5. Pulp capping: Protecting the nerve with indirect or direct pulp capping.
6. Observation: The nerve condition is observed over several days to weeks.
7. Final restoration: Finally, we restore the tooth with a filling or crown.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here, we answer frequently asked questions about cavity treatment and pulp capping.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of nerve-preserving treatment?

Advantages:

• Extends the lifespan of the tooth.
• Maintains natural sensation.
• Reduces the risk of retreatment.

Disadvantages:

• Not applicable to all cases.
• Treatment duration may be longer.

In this way, there are both advantages and disadvantages; however, if possible, preserving the nerve is ideal for dental health.

Is pulp capping always successful?

It is not successful in every case. However, the success rate can be improved through accurate examination and careful treatment. At our clinic, we make a careful determination through watchful waiting diagnosis.

How much does it cost?

Pulp capping can be performed under insurance-covered treatment, but the cost may vary depending on the medicament used. For details, please contact us here.

How long is the treatment period?

If pulp capping is performed, the treatment period may be about 1 to 3 weeks longer than standard cavity treatment. The specific timeframe will be explained in detail at the time of diagnosis.

Is there any pain?

Because anesthesia is used during treatment, there is almost no pain. Mild pain may occur after the procedure, but it often subsides within a few days. If you have any concerns, please feel free to consult us.

What is the difference when the nerve is removed?

Removing the nerve makes the tooth more prone to becoming brittle and also causes loss of sensation. Therefore, if possible, treatment that preserves the nerve is ideal. At our clinic, we carefully assess whether the nerve can be preserved and then propose the most appropriate treatment method.