Let’s face it—many people don’t prioritize a visit to the dentist unless they’re in pain. Often, patients delay treatment until discomfort forces them to make an appointment. Among the most common reasons for that pain is a dental cavity, which is the world’s most widespread infection. Cavities begin as damage to the hard outer layer of the tooth, but when they penetrate deeper into the dentin, they can inflame the living part of the tooth, known as the pulp. Larger cavities bring bigger problems, and in severe cases, patients are often told they’ll need a root canal. Thankfully, there’s another option.

The dental “pulp cap” offers a promising alternative to root canals. While this procedure isn’t new—the earliest pulp caps date back to the 1700s, using gold foil—it has advanced significantly over the centuries. By the 1920s, materials like zinc oxide and calcium hydroxide were used, but these caused irritating and unpredictable healing in the tooth’s pulp. A game-changer came in the 1990s with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA), a dental-grade Portland cement that paved the way for today’s bioceramic materials.

Think of a pulp cap as a biological bandage for the tooth’s pulp. With careful preparation, modern bioceramics can be applied to damaged teeth, helping to regenerate new dentin over the exposed pulp. These advanced materials are highly biocompatible, antimicrobial, and work seamlessly with the pulp’s stem cells to form new dentin. But the success of the procedure depends not only on the material but also on how it’s applied.

Dr. Etess has been performing pulp cap procedures for over 18 years, with a success rate that continues to grow as he incorporates new materials and updates his modern techniques. By incorporating innovations like dental ozone, lasers and biomimetic dentistry into his proprietary pulp capping method, Dr. Etess is helping patients avoid root canals and preserve the natural vitality of their teeth.

Many teeth can benefit from a pulp cap, even when other dentists might suggest otherwise. At Integrative Dental Specialists, Dr. Etess and his team are dedicated to cutting-edge techniques that prioritize saving natural teeth. Every patient receives expert care delivered with precision and the highest professional standards. Through advanced protocols and exclusive rehabilitative procedures, problematic teeth can often be restored to healthy function.

Patients sometimes assume that all dentistry is the same, but the reality is far different. Poor or incorrect dental work can lead to long-term problems, making it essential to get it right the first time. By focusing on state-of-the-art treatments and individualized care, Dr. Etess’s practice ensures patients receive the best possible outcomes, preserving their natural teeth for years to come.

Staying at the forefront of dental advancements is a top priority for Dr. Etess. To provide our patients with the most sanitary environment, we employ enhanced ultraviolet air and surface disinfection protocols. Not all dental practices are the same. Dr. Etess prides himself on delivering unmatched, first-rate care, adhering to the highest standards. Excuses are no longer acceptable. If you seek the finest, safest, healthiest and most predictable results for your dental issues, supported by the latest technology, contact Integrative Dental Specialists to schedule an appointment with Dr. Etess today.

Jeffrey Etess, DMD, NMD, IBDM, graduated in the top 10% from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. An IVY LEAGUE trained Certified Endodontic Specialist/Implant Specialty Surgeon with a dual degree in Dentistry and Board Certified in Naturopathic & Integrative medicine & certified in biomimetic cosmetic dentistry to provide a broad array of biological dentistry covering all facets of restorative, cosmetic, prosthetic, surgical, endodontic, pediatric, periodontal and implant dentistry for his patients for over 28 years. Visit idsli.com.