What Is A Pulpotomy? Answering Top Questions On “Baby Root Canals”

Pulpotomies, also called “baby root canals,” are a common dental procedure in kids. But if you’re hearing this term for the first time, you may have questions. What is a pulpotomy? Why would your child need one? Is it the same as a root canal? In this blog from Arctic Dental, we’ll answer all of these questions and more. Let’s get into it!

What Is A Pulpotomy?

A pulpotomy is a procedure that’s done to remove infected pulp from inside your child’s tooth. The pulp is the delicate, nerve and blood vessel-filled tissue that keeps your child’s tooth alive. It can become infected if serious decay or oral trauma (like a cracked tooth) breaks through the hard outer layers of your child’s tooth.

In a pulpotomy, Dr. Jarod will open up the tooth. Then, he will clean out the infected pulp from the top of the tooth. Next, he will apply a special healing dressing to the tooth, then fill it with an inert material. Finally, he will place a temporary filling or crown to protect your child’s tooth. Depending on the situation, your child may need to come back for a permanent crown.

Why Would My Child Need A Pulpotomy?

Kids need pulpotomies to treat infected baby teeth. If your child has an infected tooth, this will cause them serious pain and discomfort. Eventually, the tooth may even die and fall out of their mouth. This can cause issues with their oral development later on in life.

With a pulpotomy, Dr. Jarod can remove the infected pulp, seal the tooth, and keep it alive and healthy. Your child’s tooth will stay healthy and intact until it falls out naturally, and is replaced by an adult tooth.

How Long Does A Pulpotomy Take?

It usually takes about 30 minutes to treat your child from start to finish. Pulpotomies are a very simple and common dental procedure for kids. And as an experienced pediatric dentist in Muscatine, Dr. Jarod can provide the expert care that your little one needs at Arctic Dental. 

Will My Child Feel Pain During A Pulpotomy?

Your child won’t feel a thing. Dr. Jarod and our team will numb the treatment area as we prepare for their pulpotomy. Once the area is numb, they won’t experience any pain or discomfort at all. We also offer dental sedation to keep your child feeling safe and comfortable. 

And after treatment, the pain of your child’s toothache will be completely gone. Once their numbing wears off, their tooth may feel a bit tender for a day or two, but they will no longer have to deal with the excruciating pain of a toothache. You and your little one can get back to your normal routine right away.

Is A Pulpotomy The Same As A Root Canal?

Not quite. Pulpotomies are similar to root canals, since both are used to treat infected teeth. However, in root canals, a treatment called a “pulpectomy” is performed. This is different from a pulpotomy. In a pulpectomy, all of the pulp inside a tooth is removed, all the way down to the roots of the teeth. Then, the pulp is replaced with an inert material.

Pulpotomies are different. They only involve removing the upper portion of pulp from the inside of the tooth. The pulp in the roots is left intact, and heals over time. This means that the tooth stays alive, which is preferred for baby (primary) teeth.

Think Your Child Needs A Pulpotomy In Muscatine? Contact Arctic Dental Today

If your child has a toothache that won’t go away, they may have an infected tooth. Treatment with a pulpotomy may be the best way to resolve their pain, save their tooth, and protect their future oral development. So don’t wait. Contact Arctic Dental online or give us a call at (563) 607-5979 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jarod right away, and get the help your child needs in Muscatine.