Nearly 80% of kids’ cavities occur in their molars, where decay is more likely to remain hidden without routine oral exams and dental X-rays. When dental decay goes untreated, it can infect the tooth’s soft, pulpy interior and give rise to painful inflammation. The team of top-notch dentists at Pettinato Children’s Dentistry provide tooth-saving pulpotomy treatments, or baby root canal therapy, to children of all ages. Call their Wesley Chapel, Florida, office to learn more, or book an appointment online today.
Pulpotomy Q & A
What’s a pulpotomy?
A pulpotomy is a tooth-saving treatment that addresses infection and inflammation on the inside of a tooth, beneath its hard outer layers of enamel and dentin.
This type of infection, which is a major cause of tooth pain in children, is usually the result of untreated dental decay that has spread from the surface of the tooth down into its soft, pulpy interior.
Also known as baby root canal therapy, a pulpotomy treatment repairs the soft tissue inside your child’s tooth to save the affected tooth and prevent unnecessary tooth loss.
How is a pulpotomy done?
During a pulpotomy, the team at Pettinato Children’s Dentistry uses small, precise instruments to remove the diseased pulp tissue from the crown portion of your child’s tooth. This important area contains blood vessels, nerves, and
Next, they fill the empty inner chamber with a protective agent to prevent bacterial growth and to calm the remaining nerve tissue. To protect and restore full function to the weakened tooth, the team at Pettinato Children’s Dentistry installs a baby crown made of porcelain or stainless steel.
Unlike traditional root canal therapy for adults, a pulpotomy is much less invasive, leaving the pulp tissue inside the tooth root fully intact so it can continue nourishing the tooth itself.
Is a pulpotomy painful?
Although a pulpotomy is very similar to having a cavity filled, the treatment can seem scary to children, particularly if they’re already experiencing a significant amount of tooth pain from the infection.
Luckily, dental anesthetics help ensure that your child won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure itself, and oral or gas sedation can help ease their anxieties before treatment begins.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the underlying infection or inflammation that requires pulp therapy is usually a source of ongoing discomfort for children. A pulpotomy is the only way to find long-lasting pain relief and restore optimal oral health.
If your child has unexplained tooth pain, call Pettinato Children’s Dentistry today, or use the easy online tool to schedule an appointment at any time.