Vital Pulp Cryotherapy: Root Canal Alternative

Approximately 91 percent of American adults ages 20 to 64 suffer from cavities.

Dental decay is one of the most infectious, non-communicative diseases worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control. When decay gets out of hand, it can affect the nerve and a root canal is typically recommended.

The root canal procedure involves the removal of the tooth’s blood and nerve supply due to infection from cavities. While the tooth is then considered dead, the tooth is still set in the jaw. Root canals are safe and effective, but saving the living tooth is ideal.

Vital pulp cryotherapy is an alternative procedure that can save the living tooth tissue in some cases. Sterile ice is placed on exposed tooth pulp once decay is removed. The pulp’s temperature is lowered, reducing post-treatment pain and inflammation. Once the pulp has been cooled, a bioactive filling material and a permanent tooth filling are placed in the tooth. The blood and nerve supply are not removed in this procedure.

Listen as Dr. James Bahcall joins Dr. Susanne Bennett to discuss vital pulp cryotherapy.