How to perform a pulp cap

First of all the dentist will stop the bleeding from the exposure. If there is no pulp inflammation then a dry cotton pellet can be applied to the point for three minutes. If this doesn't stop the bleeding then you might want to use an electrosurge unit to give it a brief shock. If the bleeding just can't be stopped then a pulp cap cannot be performed.

Once the bleeding is gone then a dentist will use one of three different bases to cover it up. The first is the Calcium Hydroxide paste which is the most traditional material that is used by dentists. This base has been known to help the pulp that is under the exposure to build up a base of dentin between to protect the nerve tissue.

The second material is that of MTA or mineral trioxide aggregate. This is just a form of cement that will be applied after the cavity is disinfected with a chemical like sodium hypochlorite. This is even more effective at helping the tooth to produce dentin formation and actually sets up harder to keep bacteria from entering into the nerve space. This type of base can also help the bone to grow if the dentist has accidentally perforated the tooth in a root canal.

Lastly, resin modified glass lonomer can be used as a base that goes under any composite fillings you might have. This is kind of an odd label for the material but it is quickly gaining popularity and has proven to be even more effective than that of calcium hydroxide as far as long term outcomes as well as pain.

Apexification:

Nerves are the predecessors of teeth and they are the organs that form them. The tooth will begin forming at the crown and then move down toward the tip (apex) of the actual root. If the tooth is not fully formed and gets injured then the dentist may need to perform an apexification. This occurs when the dentist needs to amputate a part of the nerve but wants to save the rest of the root. He uses MTA as the base over the stump and the rest of the nerve will usually recover and form naturally. This usually will lead to a root canal being performed on the root after its formation to keep it from discoloring. If the nerve is already dead then the dentist might just do a normal root canal and put a 2 mm plug of MTA at the very end of the tooth's root.

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