Pulpotomy for kids

What Exactly Is A Pulpotomy?

A pulpotomy is a procedure used in children to restore infected baby (primary) teeth.

The most common cause of baby tooth infection is untreated tooth decay (cavities). This happens when the cavity destroys the outer layer of the tooth and attacks the soft pulp inside your child's tooth. Because this pulp contains a lot of nerves, it usually causes a lot of pain and discomfort.

Oral trauma, on the other hand, can cause teeth to become infected. If your child falls and breaks or cracks a tooth, oral bacteria can enter the inside of the tooth and cause an infection, so seek emergency care if your child suffers an oral injury.

The outcome is the same regardless of how the infection occurs. Bacteria in your child's mouth will attack the pulp inside the tooth over time, killing the nerves and blood vessels. Unless you get help, your child's tooth will eventually die and fall out.

A pulpotomy is performed to prevent tooth loss caused by dental infections. The dentist will open up your child's tooth and remove infected and damaged pulp from the upper part of the tooth during this procedure. The remaining tooth pulp will then be treated with a special medication to help protect it from infection. Following that, your child's tooth will be protected with a filling or a crown, and the procedure will be finished.

Is a pulpotomy painful?

Absolutely not. Your child's mouth will be numbed prior to the procedure to ensure their comfort. At our office, we also provide sedation dentistry, which can help your child feel more relaxed and comfortable during their procedure. Your child's tooth may feel a little sore after a pulpotomy, but it will hurt far less than a toothache caused by a tooth infection, so a pulpotomy is a great way to relieve your child's pain and discomfort.