When your child complains of severe discomfort deep within a tooth, it may be due to a serious infection, one you may not expect if they still have baby teeth. In this situation, their pediatric dentist may recommend an age-appropriate root canal, also known as a pulpectomy or pulpotomy. What are these procedures and how do they work? Keep reading to discover how each can restore your child’s smile while alleviating their pain.
What is Pulp?
The pulp is the innermost layer of a tooth that works to keep it alive. When the pulp becomes affected by decay or damage, the nerve endings and blood supply within the inner area can impact the rest of the tooth. If your child develops a severe cavity that remains untreated, decay will eventually spread to the pulp, requiring its removal to avoid further pain and oral health problems.
What is a Pulpectomy?
A pulpectomy is used to treat an infected baby tooth. It involves your child’s pediatric dentist entering the tooth’s crown and removing all the pulp (the inner portion), so they no longer experience pain or infection.
This procedure is most commonly recommended when severe decay is present and has spread to the pulp area. It’s also necessary if a tooth breaks or cracks and cannot be treated with a regular dental crown.
What is a Pulpotomy?
A pulpotomy is performed on primary and permanent teeth and is designed to remove damaged or decayed pulp from the tooth’s crown. This allows your child to keep more of their natural tooth structure and avoid the need for extraction.
If tooth sensitivity or an untreated cavity is causing your child to experience bothersome tooth pain, their dentist may recommend a pulpotomy to address the issue and restore their smile.
Why is It Necessary to Maintain Baby Teeth?
Keeping your child’s baby teeth in the best possible shape is essential if their permanent teeth are to erupt without issue. Untreated dental decay, damage, and infection will only lead to more complex, invasive treatments, some of which may include tooth extraction.
It’s always best to keep their baby teeth in place until they fall out naturally, as dental drift can occur, causing their smile to become misaligned and requiring future orthodontics.
By staying on top of your child’s oral hygiene routine and keeping their regular exam and cleaning appointments, you reduce the chance that they’ll need a pulpectomy or pulpotomy. However, if one or the other is recommended, know it is the best course of action for their developing smile.
About the Author
Dr. Amar Singh is a board-certified pediatric dentist who graduated from Howard University College of Dentistry before completing a pediatric residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Treating young patients in Southampton and beyond, he is skilled in delivering safe, comfortable, and successful child-friendly root canals. If your little one is complaining of severe tooth pain, visit our website or call (215) 874-3786 to schedule an appointment.