Please note that we may not offer this service at our office. Call our Smyrna office at 770-433-1515 or our East Point location at 404-766-8559 to learn more.
If you have a damaged or infected tooth, your dentist may recommend pulp capping as a treatment option. Depending on your oral health condition, your dentist may decide pulp capping is more beneficial for your health than root canal therapy if your tooth pulp is exposed but not yet infected.
Learn more about this root canal alternative and minimally invasive solution by calling our Smyrna & East Point, GA dentist at our Smyrna office at 770-433-1515 or our East Point location at 404-766-8559.
Business mogul Dr. Jarrett L. Manning is an accredited dentist, natural hair and style maven, business and relationship coach, and 3x best-selling author. She is among the country’s most well-known and respected dentists.
Dr. Jarrett also has a passion for mentoring girls, and because of this passion, she started Beyond Her Smile, a non-profit organization that advances positivity among young girls and exposes them to STEAM-based careers.
Pulp capping is a dental procedure in which a dentist applies a medicated material to the exposed pulp of a damaged or infected tooth. The material can promote healing and regeneration of the pulp tissue while protecting the tooth from further damage or infection.
Pulp capping offers several benefits for patients with damaged or infected teeth. Some of the most significant benefits include:
Preservation of the Natural Tooth: Pulp capping can help preserve the natural tooth and prevent more invasive treatments like root canal therapy or tooth extraction.
Faster Recovery: Pulp capping is typically a less invasive procedure than root canal therapy, which means that patients may recover more quickly after the procedure.
Lower Risk of Complications: Because pulp capping is a less invasive procedure, it doesn’t put patients at a high risk of complications like infection or nerve damage.
Cost-Effective: A pulp capping procedure is generally a more cost-effective treatment option than root canal therapy or tooth extraction.
Pulp capping is typically recommended for patients with relatively minor damage or infection in the pulp tissue. It’s not usually recommended for patients with severe damage or infection, as more invasive treatments may be necessary.
To determine whether pulp capping is the right treatment option for you, consult with our Location dentist, who can evaluate your case and recommend the best course of treatment.
Pulp capping is typically performed in two different ways: direct pulp capping and indirect pulp capping.
The direct pulp capping procedure involves applying a medicated material directly to the exposed pulp of a tooth. This procedure is typically performed when a small area of the pulp has been exposed due to a cavity or other damage.
The medicated material used in direct pulp capping promotes healing and prevents infection. Your dentist will clean the exposed pulp and apply the medicated material. After applying the material, they’ll place a filling or crown over the tooth to protect it from further damage.
The direct pulp capping procedure involves:
The indirect pulp capping procedure is typically performed when a larger area of the pulp has been exposed due to significant decay or damage. This procedure involves removing as much decayed or damaged tissue as possible and applying a medicated material to the remaining pulp.
The medicated material used in indirect pulp capping encourages the growth of new dentin, a substance that helps protect the pulp. Your dentist will place a temporary filling over the tooth to protect it while the dentin grows.
The indirect pulp capping procedure typically involves:
Removing Decay: The endodontist will start by removing decayed tooth material, but will leave a small portion to cover the pulp tissue.
Adding Sedative Material: Just like direct pulp capping, a protective sedative material is applied to the decayed dentin.
Filling the Cavity: Then, the dental professional will place the temporary filling until you come back for your second appointment.
Evaluating Progress: After about six to eight months, your endodontist will remove the temporary filling to evaluate the status of your recovery. In most cases, the previously decayed dentin has regenerated, and any residual decay is removed.
Getting the Permanent Restoration: Lastly, a permanent dental filling is placed to strengthen the tooth and allow the patient to eat, bite, and speak normally.
There are several materials available for pulp capping, including:
Calcium Hydroxide: Traditionally, this has been the most commonly used pulp capping material. It promotes the formation of reparative dentin.
Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA): This is currently the gold standard for pulp capping because it provides a good seal, has high biocompatibility, and promotes dentin regeneration.
Bioactive Cement: These include materials like Biodentin, which are easy to use, biocompatible, and also promote dentin regeneration.
Pulp capping is generally not painful, as a local anesthetic numbs the area around the tooth being treated. Patients may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
After pulp capping, avoid eating or drinking anything for at least one hour to allow the anesthesia to wear off. After this time, patients can typically resume their diet, although they should avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could damage the treated tooth.
The procedure can be completed in a single visit to the dentist and usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. The length of time required for pulp capping can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the number of teeth being treated.
Whether or not insurance covers pulp capping depends on the individual policy and the specific circumstances of the patient’s case. Some insurance policies may cover the cost of pulp capping if deemed medically necessary, while others may not cover the procedure at all. Check with your insurance provider to determine your coverage options.
The best dental experience ever from the time I walked through the door until it was time to leave. The staff is absolutely amazing, very thorough, comforting, and made sure to let me know step by step what was going on during my appointment. They take their time, nothing is rushed and that let me know they truly care about my dental health. This was my first time at this office and I can say I have found the dentist home for me.
My visit as a new patient was top tier!! The customer service and the professionalism in this office was the best. Dasia took my X-rays and pictures of my teeth. She was very kind, communicative and made me feel welcomed. Crystal was my dental hygienist. She took her time and was very thorough. She provided me with education regarding my treatment plan and was able to give feedback based on my current regimen. I saw Dr. Evans for my exam and she was very thorough and pleasant. Everyone made me feel welcomed at this office. It was a very clean environment. This has been the best dental experience I’ve had. I can’t wait to return!
Love love love this dental office… The staff are very professional, nice and knowledgeable. I love the warm feeling you get upon arrival… The office and equipment is state of the art… Ten STARS!
I love being a patient here! The office is very nice and clean. The staff is amazing! They were extremely kind, patient, and generous when I brought my 91 year old grandma there for some dental work. I highly recommend!
I have been coming to this practice for about 2-3 years, and I have always had a great experience from the receptionist, whether it’s when I call or when I arrive in person. All the support staff and Dr. Jarrett and the other dentists are wonderful. Plus, the office smells great and looks fabulous. So, if you are looking for a new dental practice, call for an appointment!
Dr. Manning is phenomenal and extremely ethical. She repaired work that another dentist did when she could have told me I required the work to be completely redone as another dentist did. Her office is inviting. Her staff is kind, professional, and efficient. She’s def the only dentist I’ll see going forward. I also love Crystal her hygienist. Overall, this is an ethical and high-quality practice that provides the highest standards of care.
Switched to JLM Dental Studio from a prior local Smyrna dentist office several years ago. JLM’s office location is welcoming and organized. Bright environment, exceptionally designed. You don’t expect a dentist office to have a fun “vibe”, right? They captured one.
Dr. Jarrett is my primary dentist. I’ve gone through multiple treatment services, fillings, extraction, general cleaning, and recently Invisalign. I don’t question what treatments are recommended nor do I feel I’ve ever received unnecessary services for a cash grab. Dr. Jarrett focuses on overall oral health education vs vanity. Dr. Mel is equally a great addition to the team. Can’t go wrong either way. Pleased with my experiences which include multiple referrals. Grade A!
I love this dentistry office!! Dr. Manning and her staff are so professional. Very thorough and the best experience I’ve ever had at a dentist’s office!! They have me as a patient for life!!
Dr. Manning is a very knowledgeable, professional, and caring dentist. She has a great patient-interaction manner. I am thrilled that Star is back. The front office staff is very professional. I’ve been a patient of Dr. Manning’s for 4 years. I am a VERY satisfied patient.
Dr. Jarrett and her staff are amazing! I had a problem with my crown twice and without hesitation they got me and took care of the problem! I especially want to let people know that Tiffany is phenomenal! Her customer service skills make you so comfortable! Thanks again for such great service! I highly recommend JLM Dentistry.
I absolutely love my dentist’s office. From the front desk, the hygienist (Crystal), and Dr. Jarrett, I am in total peace every time. Anytime you sleep when you are getting your teeth cleaned or cavities filled, that surely speaks to the magnitude of comfort, trust, and ambiance in the office. Thank you JLM Dental Studio.
I’m never a huge fan of going to the dentist (not sure who is), but JLM Dental Studios was amazing. It was easy to book my first appointment, the office was extremely clean and quiet, and the staff were all very welcoming and professional. I will definitely be making JLM my dentist’s office moving forward.
Crystal did an awesome job on my cleaning! The exam was the most thorough I’ve ever had. I’ll definitely be back!
My visit today at JLM dental studios was pleasant. The front office staff (Monica) is friendly & polite. Monica went above & beyond trying to get my appt. rescheduled when there was a cancellation. Teanna the hygienist assistant was kind & helpful with explaining the modern tech the office has to offer. Crystal the hygienist is sweet & patient care oriented. Highly recommend!!
Crystal C. is so awesome. She explained in detail what I need to do to get back on track with my treatment plan… Thank you for your talent and expertise!!
First, let me say that I appreciate the design of this office. It’s super chic and glam! The staff is super friendly and accommodating. I get extreme anxiety when visiting the dentist, but the assistants and hygienist were gentle and patient with me. My dentist was not Dr. Jarrett as she was fully booked but the other dentist was very friendly and helpful. I did, however, get botox injections from Dr. Jarrett, and she was amazing and quick with the procedure. I can’t wait to return. Can’t believe I said that about a dentist’s office.
Lovely and pleasant experience. Friendly and informative staff. Came in for a deep cleaning and filling and didn’t feel a thing. I definitely will be coming back!
Great experience. Very personable staff. Relatable, and when it was time to get down to work, they did…and in a competent fashion!
Very professional, thorough, and friendly office! I really like the hygiene and covid safety protocols, the friendly staff, the thorough cleaning, and the billing explanation. The staff (Monique), as well as Ginny, were very nice! This dentist’s office makes me have less trepidation about coming to the dentist. Thank you!
I absolutely love my dentist office,. From the front desk, hygienist (Crystal) and Dr. Jarrett I am in total peace every time. Anytime you sleep when you are getting your teeth cleaned or cavities filled, that surely speaks to the magnitude of comfort, trust and ambiance in the office. Thank you JLM Dental Studio.
