Hooksett

603-628-2891

Moultonborough

603-253-5224

Call our office today to schedule your appointment!

Hooksett

603-628-2891

Moultonborough

603-253-5224

Pulpotomy in Hudson

Pulpotomy
Elite Endodontics of NH provides pulpotomies in Hudson and Hooksett, NH. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 603-882-5455 for our Hudson office and 603-628-2891 for our Hooksett office.

Pulpotomy is an endodontic procedure that is most often performed on deciduous (baby) teeth. This treatment is needed when deep tooth decay reaches the pulp inside of a tooth, causing an infection called pulpitis.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pulpotomies

Is a pulpotomy the same as a root canal?

No, a pulpotomy is not the same as a root canal. A pulpotomy only removes pulp from the crown of a tooth, while root canal therapy also treats the canal structures.

Does my child need a pulpotomy?

If your child has a deep cavity that has reached the pulp, you will need to decide whether to extract the tooth or preserve it with a pulpotomy. A pulpotomy is appropriate for younger children who would require a space maintainer after an extraction.

How long does a pulpotomy last?

Most pulpotomies take between 30 to 45 minutes.

Is pulpotomy painful?

No, pulpotomy is not painful. We use local anesthesia to numb the area and keep your child from experiencing any discomfort. After the procedure, they are likely to have some tenderness at the site, but this can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication.

Can you eat after a pulpotomy?

We recommend waiting until the local anesthesia has worn off before eating after a pulpotomy. It’s also a good idea to avoid chewing with the treated tooth, as it’s likely to be sore and sensitive.

Are you looking for an endodontist in Hudson or Hooksett, NH? Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Contact our office today to schedule your appointment!

Hudson
182 Central Street
Hudson, NH 03051
Hookset
1310 Hooksett Road
Hooksett, NH 03106
Moultonborough
60 Whittier Hwy, Unit 1
Moultonborough, NH 03254
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