A large cavity in a baby tooth can often extend down to the pulp chamber of the tooth, where the nerve is located. When this occurs, the decay cannot be successfully removed from the tooth without reaching and exposing the pulp. If the pulp of a baby tooth becomes exposed, the tooth is treated with a pulpotomy.
A pulpotomy is a procedure in which the top portion of the pulp, or nerve, is removed from the tooth. Unlike a root canal on a permanent tooth, a pulpotomy does not extend down into the roots of the tooth, making it much less invasive and easier to perform on a child’s smaller, developing tooth. Once the top portion of the nerve has been removed, a protective material is placed inside the tooth to protect the remaining nerve tissue, and a stainless steel crown is typically placed over the tooth to restore its strength and shape.
Why a Pulpotomy Instead of an Extraction?
Whenever possible, our goal is to preserve your child’s natural baby tooth rather than remove it. Baby teeth play an important role in chewing, speech development, and holding space for permanent teeth to come in properly. Removing a baby tooth too early can allow neighboring teeth to shift, sometimes making it necessary to place a space maintainer to protect the space for the permanent tooth. A pulpotomy allows your child to keep their natural tooth in place and functioning normally until it’s naturally ready to fall out.
What to Expect During Treatment
Pulpotomies are performed comfortably, often with local anesthesia, and many children do well with minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. Depending on your child’s needs and comfort level, we may also discuss options like laughing gas or sedation to help them stay relaxed throughout treatment.
After a pulpotomy, most children return to normal activities the same day, with only mild sensitivity as the tooth heals. We’ll always walk you through aftercare instructions specific to your child’s treatment.
If you think your child may need a pulpotomy, or if your child is experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (561) 845-7374.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pulpotomy?
A pulpotomy is a procedure that removes the top portion of an infected or exposed nerve in a baby tooth, then protects the remaining nerve tissue and restores the tooth with a crown.
Is a pulpotomy the same as a root canal?
No. Unlike a root canal, a pulpotomy does not extend into the roots of the tooth, making it a less invasive procedure suited for baby teeth.
Why would my child need a pulpotomy instead of having the tooth removed?
Preserving the baby tooth helps maintain proper chewing, speech development, and spacing for permanent teeth, which is why we try to save the tooth whenever possible.
Is a pulpotomy painful for children?
Pulpotomies are typically performed with local anesthesia and are generally well tolerated. We also offer sedation options for children who need extra comfort during treatment.
What happens after my child’s pulpotomy?
A stainless steel crown is usually placed over the treated tooth to restore its strength, and most children return to normal activities the same day with only mild sensitivity.
How do I know if my child needs a pulpotomy?
Signs like persistent tooth pain, sensitivity, or a large cavity may indicate the need for a pulpotomy. Our team can evaluate your child’s tooth and recommend the best course of treatment.