Everything You Need to Know About Pulpotomy Procedures for Your Child

If your child needs a pulpotomy, you will want to know everything about the procedure. What is a pulpotomy? What are the benefits? How is it performed? At Li’l Sunshine Smiles, we want to make sure that your child is comfortable and anxiety-free during their visit. A pulpotomy, also referred to as a “baby root canal” is a treatment to save a badly decayed tooth possessing an infected pulp. It is commonly performed on baby teeth, especially molars. That’s why we use dental anesthetics to numb the area before beginning the procedure. We also take our time to explain everything to both parents and children so that everyone knows what is happening. To learn more, read this! 

What is a Pulpotomy?

A pulpotomy is a dental procedure that treats infected baby (primary) teeth in children. This type of infection happens when tooth decay reaches the pulp inside the tooth. During a pulpotomy, the pulp of the tooth in the crown (the part of the tooth that is visible) is removed and the pulp in the root canal is left intact.

Signs Your Child May Need This Treatment

If your child has a toothache, pain when biting down, or sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, it may be due to an infection of the pulp. If the decay is found in between the teeth or near the gum line (where you can’t see it), this is another sign that a pulpotomy could be necessary.

How a Pulpotomy is Performed

The first step in the process is to isolate the tooth so that it doesn’t get contaminated. We use rubber dams, which are pieces of material that fit over the teeth and keep them dry during treatment. Then, we use local anesthetics to numb the area around the tooth.

Benefits of a Pulpotomy for Children

The primary benefit of a pulpotomy is that it can save your child’s tooth from further decay or extraction. Not only does this help maintain your child’s smile, but it also helps preserve their bite and the alignment of their teeth. It also reduces the risk of infection, which can be very painful for your child.

How is a Pulpotomy Performed?

A pulpotomy procedure begins with “rubber dam” isolation of the area so that we can ensure no bacteria enters the tooth during treatment. We then remove all decay and infected tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals. We will then use a special material to fill the area and seal it off, restoring the tooth’s health. After this procedure is complete, your child may need a crown or restoration to protect the weakened tooth.

Recovery

Your tooth, gums, and the surrounding area of your mouth will be sufficiently numbed throughout the procedure so that you don’t feel any pain. Afterward, children who received anesthesia or light sedation will be monitored for a bit before they can leave the dentist’s office. During this time, most children bounce back quickly. In some instances, sleepiness, vomiting, or nausea may occur. You may also notice slight bleeding for several hours.

Make sure your child avoids eating or drinking while their mouth is numb to avoid accidentally biting the inner cheek. Once they’re able to eat, stick to soft food, such as soup or scrambled eggs, and avoid anything crunchy.

Make an Appointment with Li’l Sunshine Smiles

At Li’l Sunshine Smiles, we understand how important your child’s dental health is to you and your family. We take the time to explain all procedures in detail, so that everyone involved is comfortable with what will happen. If your child needs a pulpotomy, call us today to set up an appointment! We look forward to seeing you soon!