A pulpotomy is a common dental procedure used in pediatric dentistry to treat decay or trauma affecting the soft inner tissue (pulp) of a child’s tooth, typically a baby molar. When the top portion of the pulp becomes inflamed or infected but the root remains healthy, a pulpotomy can preserve the tooth and prevent the need for extraction. During the procedure, the dentist removes the damaged part of the pulp from the crown of the tooth while leaving the root portion untouched. The area is then cleaned, treated with a medicated dressing to prevent infection, and sealed often with a stainless-steel crown for durability. Our kids dentist in El Paso, Texas, offers pulpotomies as a safe, effective way to relieve pain and preserve your child’s primary teeth until they naturally fall out.
When Should Your Child Get a Pulpotomy?
When your child has a decaying tooth, a pulpotomy is your best course of action. Pulpotomies are commonly used to treat infected primary teeth in children. However, they can also be performed on permanent teeth. During this procedure, only the pulp in the crown is removed while the pulp in the roots remains intact. Pulpotomies are relatively safe and painless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a pulpotomy and a root canal?
Is a pulpotomy painful for kids?
How long does a pulpotomy take?
Is it necessary to treat baby teeth with a pulpotomy if they will fall out anyway?
Can adult teeth get a pulpotomy?
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