Often called a baby root canal, a pulpotomy is a procedure that removes diseased or damaged pulp from a single tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue within a tooth containing nerves and blood vessels.
By removing the unhealthy tissue in a pulpotomy procedure, the healthy parts of the tooth can be preserved and saved. Being able to save the tooth is vital for the development of the adult teeth.
Understanding Your Child's Pulpotomy Procedure
If a cavity is left untreated, it may cause the tooth's pulp to become infected or damaged. It can also cause your child severe pain and discomfort. They may even need to have the tooth removed if it's severe enough. However, the good news is that there are treatments to fix this condition.
A pulpotomy is a first-line pediatric treatment for a cavity reaching the tooth's pulp. A pulpotomy can eliminate the symptoms and save the tooth.
During the procedure, the child won't usually have any pain or discomfort. Before beginning the pulpotomy procedure, your child's dentist will numb the area around the tooth so that the procedure is as painless as possible.
The dentist then makes an opening in the top of the affected tooth so they can access the infected or diseased pulp and remove it. They will then clean and disinfect the area.
Sometimes, they will put medication in the pulp chamber to encourage healing. Once they are done, the dentist will need to use a crown (a cap that covers the tooth) on the tooth for additional protection.
It's common for your child to have some discomfort, sensitivity to temperatures, and swelling after the procedure. However, these symptoms will get better gradually, and you can give your child over-the-counter pain medication to help ease their discomfort.
Once the procedure is over, follow your dentist's instructions for caring for the tooth and maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Doing so will increase the chances that the pulpotomy will be successful and prevent the need for further treatments.
Is There a Difference Between Pulpotomy and Pulpectomy?
While both procedures are options to save decayed teeth with infected pulps, a pulpotomy focuses just on removing the pulp in the tooth's crown. The dentist doesn't do anything with the pulp in the root. On the other hand, a pulpectomy is the removal of all the pulps. Afterward, the dentist uses dentistry cement to replace all the pulp in the roots.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pulpotomies
Who is a Good Candidate for a Pulpotomy Procedure?
To be a good candidate for a pulpotomy procedure, the tooth in question must be restorable, and the inflamed pulp must be confined to the crown of the tooth. Unless these requirements are met, your child won't be a good candidate for the procedure. In that case, your dentist can recommend some other treatment options.
Pulpotomies at Dream Smiles Pediatric Dentistry
At Dream Smiles Pediatric Dentistry of Gaithersburg, we know it can be overwhelming to learn that your child has a cavity and needs a pulpotomy. However, our highly trained and compassionate Pediatric dentists and staff will explain the procedure in great detail and answer all of your questions. We are here for both you and your child.
Call us at 301-327-1003 or contact us online to request an appointment to learn more about pediatric dentistry.