7449 East Osborn Road #4 Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
What is Pulp Regeneration
In the past, once the pulp of a tooth became diseased, there were few options other than root canal treatment, which leaves the tooth in place but with no living tissue inside. Pulp regeneration seeks to help the dental pulp heal and regenerate from an infection, restoring the tooth to a healthy condition.
This is particularly beneficial for younger patients whose teeth are still developing, as a tooth with living pulp continues to strengthen and mature in ways that a traditionally treated tooth cannot.
How Does Pulp Regeneration Treatment Work
In pulp regeneration treatment, Dr. Brittain uses tooth regeneration scaffolding (which may be made of collagen, fibrin, or man-made polymers, as well as stem cells derived from the patient's pulp or bone marrow) to encourage the damaged tooth to repair itself. The controlled delivery of antibiotics eliminates the infection and growth factors stimulate pulp regeneration. In a successful procedure, a root canal will no longer be necessary.
The treatment is typically completed over two or more appointments. During the first visit, the canal is disinfected and a medicated dressing is placed to eliminate bacteria. At the follow-up appointment, the scaffolding material is introduced to encourage new tissue growth, and the tooth is sealed with a biocompatible material. Over time, imaging will be used to confirm that regeneration is progressing and that the tooth is responding as expected.
Am I a Candidate for Pulp Regeneration
Pulp regeneration is not the right solution for every patient, but it is an excellent option for many, particularly those who meet the following criteria:
- Immature or Developing Teeth — Pulp regeneration is especially effective in younger patients whose tooth roots have not yet fully formed, as the procedure supports continued root development
- Diagnosed Pulp Infection or Necrosis — Patients with a confirmed pulp injury caused by deep decay, trauma, or infection may benefit from regenerative treatment over traditional root canal therapy
- No Significant Structural Damage — The tooth must retain enough healthy structure to support the regeneration process and eventual restoration
- Good Overall Oral Health — Patients with well-managed gum health and no untreated decay in surrounding teeth are better positioned for a successful outcome
- Committed to Follow-up Care — Regeneration is a process that unfolds over time and requires monitoring through periodic X-rays and checkups to ensure the tooth is healing properly
Where to Get Pulp Regeneration in Scottsdale, Arizona
Time is of the essence in all types of dental treatment. If you have a problem tooth and you want to give your it its best chance to recover, give Dentistry of Old Town Scottsdale a call at 480-719-6994 or send us an email to schedule an appointment so that Dr. Brittain can determine whether you are a good candidate for pulp regeneration. We proudly serve patients throughout Scottsdale, Phoenix, Tempe, and the surrounding areas of Arizona.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pulp regeneration in dentistry?
Pulp regeneration, also known as regenerative endodontics, is a procedure that helps restore damaged or infected dental pulp using the body’s natural healing processes.Who is a good candidate for pulp regeneration?
It is most commonly recommended for children and teens with immature permanent teeth that have infected or necrotic pulp.How does pulp regeneration work?
The dentist disinfects the root canal, then stimulates new tissue growth inside the tooth to promote continued root development and healing.Is pulp regeneration better than a root canal?
In certain cases, especially in younger patients, pulp regeneration can be a better option because it allows the tooth to continue developing naturally.How successful is pulp regeneration?
Success rates are promising, with many cases showing improved root growth and healing when proper case selection and care are followed.