Pulpotomy Procedure | Primary Tooth Pulpotomy
When a deep cavity in a baby tooth reaches the nerve (pulp), we may recommend a dental pulpotomy procedure.A pulpotomy removes part of the tooth’s pulp to prevent or treat the formation of an abscess.
Your child’s baby teeth are important in guiding permanent teeth into position, so you want to treat and keep baby teeth until they are lost naturally. The Super Dentists will recommend a pulpotomy for baby teeth instead of removal because it is critical to restore baby teeth for future development.
Primary Tooth Pulpotomy
Baby teeth are softer than permanent teeth and can decay more quickly. A pulpotomy for children is usually performed to buy some time so the baby tooth can remain until it falls out naturally. Pulpotomy is a reliable treatment to save a decayed baby tooth.
If your child receives a local anesthetic for the pulpotomy, make sure to watch him/her for several hours to make sure there is no chewing of the cheek, tongue or lips that have been numbed. Do not give your child any medications (including over-the-counter) without first asking your pediatric dentist.
What is a Therapeutic Pulpotomy?
Therapeutic pulpotomy is performed on an infected pulp on the crown of a tooth. This pediatric pulpotomy procedure is generally performed to encourage healing and to prevent further infection of the primary teeth.
In some cases, a partial pulpotomy is enough to preserve the tooth but the main goal is to ensure that the primary teeth pulpotomy allows the baby teeth to remain to help guide new teeth in place.
Pulpotomy and Pulpectomy in Pediatric Dentistry
A pulpectomy is a dental procedure that involves the complete removal of the pulp tissue from a tooth, including the root canals. This procedure is typically performed on permanent teeth that have become infected or damaged beyond the point where a simple filling or pulpotomy procedure can effectively treat the problem.
The main difference is that the entire pulp and root are removed in this procedure. A Pulpectomy is usually performed on teeth that have undergone some type of trauma or extensive decay.
If you think your child is in need of a pulpotomy in their primary teeth, don’t wait. Book an appointment today!
