VITAL PULPOTOMY - Vital Pulpotomy

VITAL PULPOTOMY

This procedure differs from a root canal in that the tooth is still alive (vital).
It is an easier procedure to perform as only the top (coronal) portion is removed.
There are two main reasons that this procedure is performed in Veterinary Dentistry:

Crown Reduction – for two different reasons
a. Orthodontic problems causing trauma to oral soft tissues
b. Disarming procedures to reduce the damage caused by vicious animals.
Fresh fractures of teeth
This is done to allow the tooth to continue to mature and gain strength. This is most valuable in immature teeth, where the procedure is performed in the hopes that it will remain vital for life or at least long enough to mature (apexify) and accept a standard root canal procedure.
Technique

A pre-operative dental radiograph is exposed to determine maturity level and if any
other pathology is present.
The patient receives a complete dental prophylaxis (cleaning) and the mouth is rinsed with an antimicrobial solution to reduce bacterial contamination.
A local anesthetic injection is administered to decrease pain during and after
anesthesia.
The crown is lowered (if necessary).
All diseased pulp tissue is removed with a high-speed bur (dental drill).
Bleeding is controlled with sterile paper points in the canal allowing a clot to form.
Calcium hydroxide is placed into the canal:
This is antibacterial, and also will irritate the pulp and cause it to lay down a protective layer of tooth structure (dentin). This will decrease the chance of future bacterial contamination.
An intermediate layer is placed over the calcium hydroxide to insulate the pulp and act as a base for the final restoration.
The final restorative is placed over the access site.
A post-operative radiograph is exposed to ensure proper fill.
Recheck radiographs are critical in these procedures. There is a chance of failure without outward clinical signs. Most pets will suffer in silence.
AVDS, PO Box 803, Fayetteville, TN 37334
Phone: 800/332-AVDS or 931/438-0238
Fax: 931/433-6289

Email: avds@avds-online.org