Your teeth grow throughout your life even though the obvious external changes tend to end in young adulthood. The cells that create the dentin, the hard colored material under the enamel, can continue to thicken the dentin to the point that internal structures become compromised. The root canal system inside the tooth includes a vital collection of tissue, blood, and nerve cells called the pulp. When the growing dentin pushes into the pulp, this is called pulp calcification.

Pulp calcification can happen due to an underlying systemic illness but more commonly happens simply due to aging. The calcification can prove painful due to the nerve cells in the pulp so you will want to seek dental treatment as soon as possible. How can your dentist treat a tooth with pulp calcification?

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy, or RCT, is a common procedure used to remove pulp that has become inflamed or damaged. A root canal requires the dentist to drill a hole through the outermost dentin to access the canal. Narrow tools are then used to clear out the pulp and to surgically remove any pulp calcification masses, or pulp stones, if required. Your dentist will then rinse the canal and inject an expanding bio-cement into the canal that can help keep the dentin from pushing further inside the tooth.

The root canal procedure does not kill your tooth as there is still pulp material coming in and out of the tooth in the root structures. Your dentist will close the RCT-related drill hole in the tooth with a dental crown, which will also provide the exterior of your tooth protection from damage.

A dental crown is simply a hollow artificial tooth made of porcelain that slips over your tooth and bonds into place via bio-cement. The crown will resemble a natural tooth and shouldn't make chewing feel unnatural or uncomfortable.

Dental Extraction

The calcification can intensify to the point that the stones destroy the pulp and the canal walls. Calcification can also extend down into the roots and destroy the pulp that would be left if a root canal procedure was performed. If the calcification progresses this far and you are experiencing a lot of pain, your dentist might recommend extraction.

In younger patients, the dentist will then recommend an immediate dental replacement such as a dental implant, which has a surgically implanted root that helps keep the supporting bone and tissue healthy for years to come. Older patients can likely go with any type of dental replacement option they prefer as the bone and tissue health is less of a vital issue.

For more information and options, contact a local dentist, such as those at Hurst Family Dental.

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