When decay spreads through a tooth, it compromises the tooth’s structural integrity and increases the risk of fractures. At this stage, decay often approaches or reaches the nerve, causing sensitivity to hot and cold and alerting the person that something is wrong. When this condition arises, Dr. Kaufman carefully removes the decayed material and bacteria, then assesses the tooth’s overall health. In many cases, the dental pulp is exposed or visible beneath a thin layer of dentin.
Research has indicated that if the pulp is exposed during the removal of infected dentin, it is likely infected, and pulp capping procedures often fail—leading to the recommendation for a root canal treatment.
However, recent research funded by ClinicalTrials.gov and supported by the U.S. National Institutes of Health has identified more effective ways to treat the infected pulp and foster regeneration. Treatment using a diode laser, which is available at our practice, has demonstrated the ability to heal the pulp and markedly reduce the need for root canal procedures.
A study compared conventional pulp capping and diode 808 nm laser-assisted techniques in permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure, drawing on a series of ten clinical studies. The diode laser offered advantages such as stimulating reparative dentine formation, enhanced decontamination, rapid haemostasis, and pain reduction.
The research found a notable improvement: success rates for conventional pulp capping were 60%, while diode 808-nm laser-assisted treatment yielded a 100% success rate one year post-procedure. The conclusion was that laser-assisted pulp capping significantly enhances treatment outcomes compared to traditional methods for carious exposures.
The recent discovery is highly significant. Teeth previously considered candidates for root canal treatment—a procedure that is more costly and invasive—can now be treated with laser technology for superior results.
To benefit from this innovative treatment, please make an appointment.