When a cavity or injury reaches the nerve (pulp) of a tooth, it can cause pain or infection. While medications may temporarily reduce symptoms, proper dental treatment is needed to address the problem and restore your child’s oral health.
What Is a Pulpotomy?
A pulpotomy is not a root canal. It is a conservative treatment used when the infection or inflammation is limited to the top (crown) portion of the tooth.
During a pulpotomy:
- The infected pulp tissue is removed only from the crown
- The healthy nerve tissue in the roots is preserved
- A medicated material is placed to protect and soothe the remaining pulp
This procedure allows the tooth to remain healthy and function normally until it is naturally lost.
What Is a Pulpectomy?
A pulpectomy is performed when infection has spread throughout the entire pulp of the tooth, including the roots.
During a pulpectomy:
- All infected pulp tissue is removed from the crown and roots
- The canals are cleaned and filled with a safe, resorbable material
- The tooth is restored to protect it and maintain space for permanent teeth
Why Preserving Baby Teeth Matters
Primary (baby) teeth play an important role in chewing, speech development, and guiding permanent teeth into proper position. Losing baby molars too early—especially back teeth—can lead to spacing and alignment problems later on. When possible, treating the nerve allows us to preserve these important teeth.
Common reasons for pulp therapy include deep cavities and traumatic injury.
Final Restoration
After pulp therapy, the tooth is restored with:
- A filling
- A stainless steel crown
- A white zirconia crown
This protects the tooth and restores normal function.
After Treatment
Most children experience significant relief after treatment. Any mild discomfort typically resolves quickly, often within a few days.
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s treatment or healing, please contact our office—we are always happy to help.
