Pediatric Pulpotomy

Restoring A Decayed Tooth

If your child has a severe cavity that has become involved with the nerve of the tooth, we may need to perform a procedure called a pulpotomy. This procedure involves removing part of the pulp, or the inner part of the tooth, while saving the tooth’s root. It is sometimes referred to as a “baby root canal.” This is the best option to save a tooth if the decay has gotten close to the nerve but has not caused an infection.

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Why Your Child May Need A Pulpotomy

If your child is suffering from pulpitis, they may need a pulpotomy. Pulpitis is when the pulp of your tooth is inflamed and can be caused by cavities/tooth decay or tooth trauma, such as a cracked tooth. Pulpitis can also cause an infection, which can become serious if left untreated. At Beach Kids Dentistry, we perform this procedure in order to save and restore your child’s tooth.

Signs Your Child May Have Pulpitis

The most common symptom of pulpitis is pain. Since the pulp of a tooth is made up of connective tissue, nerves and blood vessels, when it becomes infected, it can lead to pain. Other symptoms to look out for include:

Overall tooth sensitivity
Sensitivity to cold

Sensitivity to sweets
Aching or throbbing pain

What To Expect During A Pulpotomy Procedure

At Beach Kids Dentistry, the goal of a pulpotomy is to save your child’s tooth while removing the decayed or damaged pulp tissue and preventing further infection. Before the procedure, we will thoroughly examine the tooth, which may involve taking X-rays, to make sure that this is the best treatment option for your child. Below is what you can expect from the procedure:

Local Anesthesia: We want to make sure that your child is as comfortable as possible during your procedure. This includes administering a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth being treated. The anesthetic will make sure that they do not feel any pain or discomfort during the pulpotomy. If your child has severe dental anxiety or does not sit well for dental procedures, then they may be a good candidate for nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) or Valium, or in more extreme cases, our hospital services for general anesthesia.
Isolation: The dentist will place a rubber dam or use our dry shield system around the tooth to keep it dry and free from saliva and to help prevent contamination during the procedure.
Pulp Removal: The infected or damaged pulp tissue will be removed, and the pulp chamber will also be cleaned.
Medication: After the pulp tissue is removed, a medicated material is placed in the space where the pulp was removed, which helps both disinfect it and promote healing.
Sealing: The tooth is sealed with a biocompatible material, often a dental filling material, to prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth.
Restoration: A crown will be placed on the tooth to restore its shape and function.

Pulpotomy Aftercare

After the procedure, we recommend waiting until your child’s mouth is no longer numb before they resume their regular diet. We recommend soft foods like soups, smoothies and well-cooked pasta. Once the numbness has worn off, they can begin eating regular foods; However, they will need to avoid sticky, chewy foods. Your child may experience some slight swelling, pain or bleeding. To control any pain, your child may take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen.

If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (757) 467-7797.

Can A Pulpotomy Save A Baby Tooth?

Yes, this procedure can be performed on both adult teeth and baby teeth. Saving your child’s baby tooth can help prevent developmental problems down the road. We want your child’s baby tooth to remain until it is ready to fall out on its own. Removing baby teeth prematurely can cause problems for your child’s speech and hygiene and may cause issues when it is time for their permanent tooth to emerge, which is why a pulpotomy could be the best course of action.

How Can I Prevent Needing A Pulpotomy?

The easiest way to prevent needing this procedure is to practice good dental hygiene. This includes brushing your child’s teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, flossing once a day and visiting us every six months for their regular dental cleaning and check-up.

You should begin brushing your child’s teeth when they are six months of age, and can let them take over the job when they are around eight years old. While every child is different, we recommend that you monitor your child’s brushing to make sure they are properly taking care of their teeth.

At Beach Kids Dentistry, we are here for you and your family in Virginia Beach. If you have any questions or concerns about pulpotomies, we encourage you to reach out to our office at (757) 467-7797.

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Sea The Beach Kids Dentistry Difference

We believe that a lifetime of healthy smiles begins with a positive and fun dental experience. Our kid-friendly office and experienced pediatric dentists are here to provide compassionate, patient-focused and specialized pediatric dental care.

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