Pulpotomy and BIOLASE laser in dentistry
When is pulpotomy or pulpectomy (“Nerve removal”) needed?
Most people have probably heard of so-called “nerve removal,” and for many, these words evoke a certain fear. Although it may not sound like the most pleasant dental procedure, in some situations, it is necessary. Sometimes, only a small part of the pulp directly under the cavity needs to be removed, preserving the vitality of the tooth. The safest and most reliable method for this procedure is the use of a dental soft tissue laser.
Pulpotomy and pulpectomy (the technical term for “nerve removal”) become necessary when the dental pulp is affected by an infection. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth, consisting of connective tissue, blood and lymphatic vessels, and nerves. The pulp plays a crucial role in the growth and development of the tooth. Once the tooth has fully developed, its function is mainly sensory, responding to stimuli such as hot and cold temperatures. Because of this, the main symptom of an infected dental pulp is pain, which can sometimes be quite intense.
One of the advantages of the pulp is that it can be removed from the root canal (at least partially) without negatively affecting the tooth’s function and health. With advances in dental technology, especially the use of lasers, treating pulp infections is no longer a complex or overly invasive procedure. So, while “nerve removal” may sound intimidating, pulpotomy is a procedure that any patient with an infected pulp should undergo to preserve the health of their tooth.
Why is BIOLASE the right choice for pulpotomy?
Pulpotomy is a dental procedure used when tooth decay has reached close to the pulp chamber, making it necessary to open the tooth and remove the affected pulp.
During the procedure, all decay is completely removed, and the exposed pulp is treated with a laser. The laser disinfects the tissue and removes only the surface portion of the pulp, allowing the remaining pulp to retain its biological capacity to generate new dentin (tertiary dentin). The success rate is extremely high, especially if there were no prior symptoms such as swelling or pain. The treatment is completed in a single visit, with radiographic follow-ups conducted after a few months to confirm success.
Conventional methods also yield results but tend to be less predictable and require multiple visits. Additionally, older treatments often involve using medicaments like formocresol, which has been proven toxic. Laser pulpotomy eliminates the need for such substances.
All of these factors highlight the advantages of using lasers as a safe, biologically sound, and highly effective method. Modern dentistry continues to advance toward digitalization and innovative treatment methods, with lasers playing an increasingly significant role in both dentistry and other medical fields. At our practice, we recognize the outstanding therapeutic benefits of the BIOLASE laser and have enhanced our treatment capabilities, offering patients the most effective, comfortable, and efficient way to preserve their dental health.
Advantages of Laser Pulpotomy:
- A simple and precise method
- Completely painless procedure
- Requires only one visit
- Non-toxic (compared to older methods)
- Affordable treatment
- High success rate
- Reliable technique
- Biologically sound approach
For more information on the use of BIOLASE lasers in dentistry, click here.
To learn more about endodontic treatment (“nerve removal”), click here.