Are pulp capping and root canals the same thing? i've read that pulp capping might be a less painful alternative to a root canal. are they really the same thing, or do they just have a similar result?

They : They are not the same. A pulp cap is just a small, temporary coverage of a root canal exposure. A root canal is the complete cleaning, shaping and sterilizing of the entire root canal system. A pulp cap is only used in very specialized situations. Therefore they do not do the same thing or have similar results.

Modern : Modern endodontics is all about conservative treatment these days. It's important to understand that there are differences in the pulp (nerves, blood vessels, and fibers) in the teeth of children vs. Adults. These days if a child has a deep cavity and newly formed roots there is evidence to show that pulp capping might help in root development while maintaining a vital or live pulp. However, evidence shows that in an adult pulp capping almost never works long term. So if you want a long term fix and no suprise toothache one holiday weekend i would recommend root canal treatment on most adult teeth. But, for a child i would definitely try to keep the pulp alive by pulp capping if possible.

No : No they are not the same thing. A pulp cap is an immediate treatment of a healthy tooth where the nerve has been nearly exposed or slightly exposed, and it placed a sterile dressing over the hole into the nerve chamber, and sometimes it results in healing, and often just delays a later treatment need. Root canal treatment is the complete removal of the pulp tissue from the tooth and the cleaning and sealing and filling of the entire pulp chamber. Dr. Neil mcleod dds dentistry that lasts - quality that counts.