If your child has an infected tooth, our dentists may recommend a pulpotomy. Also known as a baby tooth root canal, pulpotomy is a type of endodontic treatment used to remove damaged tooth tissue and prevent the tooth from being extracted. It is usually provided when there is decay or injury in the dental pulp.

Pulpotomies involve removing the decay from the pulp chamber of the tooth before sterilizing the area, similar to what occurs during an adult root canal procedure. Unlike a root canal, however, the tooth nerves are not removed or treated, and in some cases, healthy dental pulp may be left in the tooth in order to maintain its vitality. After the decayed and damaged pulp is removed and the tooth is cleaned, our dentists will provide a dental crown to cap the tooth and protect it from further damage. We typically recommend stainless steel crowns for children.

A pulpotomy is generally recommended for primary teeth but may be recommended for permanent teeth if much of the dental pulp is still healthy. A pulpotomy may also be recommended when the tooth roots have not finished forming, as a partial pulpotomy can give the tooth a chance to complete this stage of development.

If you have any questions about pulpotomy or would like to make an appointment with our dentists, please contact our office and speak with a member of our team.