Do you have a child who might require a pulpotomy? If so, our dentists are here to help!
A pulpotomy is a pediatric dental treatment for addressing severe dental decay in primary (baby) teeth. This treatment is necessary when dental decay exposes the sensitive pulp inside the teeth's roots. Pulpotomy involves removing the infected pulp from within the crown and disinfecting the pulp chamber to eliminate cavity-causing bacteria. However, dentists might recommend a root canal if the infection extends to the root.
Did you know that in some cases, a pulpotomy may be performed on permanent teeth, although it is more commonly associated with primary teeth.
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Pulpotomies offer children immediate pain relief from toothaches caused by dental decay. Pulpotomies remove the infected nerve fibers in the pulp and protect the healthy pulp to eliminate tooth pain completely. That way, your child can focus on learning and playing for their mental development.
Pulpotomies also help prevent premature tooth loss from severe dental decay. Losing your primary tooth prematurely could lead to orthodontic issues when your child’s permanent teeth come in. Pulpotomies treat and disinfect teeth with cavities, saving them from a possible extraction or falling out naturally.
A pulpotomy is also the most cost-effective solution for cavities in primary teeth. The treatment is much cheaper and less complicated than a root canal or extraction. Dentists rarely recommend tooth extractions for decayed teeth unless the tooth is beyond salvation.
The dentist will first examine your child’s teeth to determine whether they qualify for a pulpotomy. If they do, the dentist will inject a local anesthetic (lidocaine) into the gum tissue near the affected tooth to numb it. The dentist will then use a dental dam to isolate the affected tooth, stopping the flow of saliva that might disrupt the process.
The dentist uses a dental drill to create an access hole on the top surface of the tooth. This provides access to the pulp chamber, allowing the dentist to scoop out the infected pulp. The dentist will remove only the infected part of the pulp and leave the rest intact. This forms the crux of the pulpotomy treatment.
The dentist will use a sterile solution and anti-bacterial medication to control bleeding and disinfect the remaining pulp. This promotes healing and prevents reinfection. After disinfection, the dentist will then use a dental filling or composite resin material to fill the access hole.
Most pulpotomy treatments require restoration of the affected teeth. The dentist may either use a dental filling or a crown to restore the shape and strength of the affected tooth. That way, your child can resume their normal diet after the procedure.
No, pulpotomies aren’t painful because dentists use local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding areas. Dentists might recommend pediatric sedation for kids with severe dental anxiety. This sedation will help keep the kids relaxed, ensuring a seamless procedure.