Pulpotomy is an endodontic procedure that is most often performed on deciduous (baby) teeth and is also known as a baby root canal. This dental treatment is needed when deep tooth decay reaches the pulp chamber, the innermost part of a tooth, causing an infection called pulpitis. A pulpotomy is a common procedure in pediatric dentistry that involves removing the infected pulp from the crown portion of a child's tooth while keeping the tooth intact and preserving the remaining pulp in the roots.
Why Pulpotomies Are Needed
The pulp is rich in blood vessels and nerve endings, so when infection spreads to this tissue and it becomes inflamed, it causes severe dental pain. At times, the pain may be so severe that it cannot be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications.
When a child has pulpitis, a decision must be made whether to extract the infected tooth or perform a pulpotomy. If your child is at an age where their adult tooth is likely to erupt soon, an extraction is usually recommended. For a younger child, if a tooth is extracted, a space maintainer is needed to keep adjacent teeth from drifting into the space created by the extraction. A pulpotomy preserves space for the permanent teeth to erupt and prevents orthodontic issues without a space maintenance appliance.
This procedure is particularly important for primary molars and helps maintain a healthy child's mouth while protecting the development of permanent teeth.
What Happens During a Pulpotomy
To ensure your child’s comfort, we numb their tooth and the surrounding area with local anesthetic. If needed, we offer dental sedation to help them relax during their treatment. A pulpotomy is a relatively simple endodontic procedure that involves opening the infected tooth, removing the pulp from the crown, and placing a medicated dressing inside the tooth chamber to promote healing and prevent the spread of infection. We will place a temporary restoration, then your child will go to their dentist for a crown or dental filling.
The actual pulpotomy procedure begins by isolating the tooth and removing all the pulp from the upper part of the tooth down to the gum line. The area is then filled with filling material like gutta percha to prevent infection, and the tooth is sealed. Pulpotomy procedures have a high success rate and are commonly performed to save primary teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pulpotomies
Is a pulpotomy the same as a root canal?
Does my child need a pulpotomy?
This procedure is often recommended for baby teeth, primary teeth, and sometimes immature permanent teeth when there is carious exposure, reversible pulpitis, or in some cases irreversible pulpitis. Your dentist will evaluate the extent of the decay and determine the best treatment option.
How long does a pulpotomy last?
Is pulpotomy painful?
Can you eat after a pulpotomy?
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