A pulpotomy – also known as a baby root canal – is a procedure in which an endodontist removes infected pulp from the chamber and roots of a tooth. A pulpotomy can be performed on both permanent and baby teeth. Here at Ashburn Children’s Dentistry, we are proud to provide this option to our patients and encourage you to learn all about it.
For a lot of people, a pulpotomy is an emergency dental procedure. When the pulp in the tooth is infected, the gases build up in the chamber. Because these gases have nowhere to go, they impinge upon the nerves in the tooth, causing pain. On the other hand, some people who need a pulpotomy have no pain at all because the infection has destroyed the nerves in the tooth. In these cases, the infection yet remains and needs to be cleaned out. Despite this, some patients who need a pulpotomy are still afraid of going to the dentist. The good news is that these patients can often be given sedation dentistry. This technique makes sure that the patient is comfortable during the procedure.
The Pulpotomy
During the pulpotomy, the endodontist first administers one of several sedation options. Then he or she opens the tooth and carefully removes the pulp and the nerves from the tooth chamber. Healthy pulp tissue is left in the roots of the tooth, which is the difference between a pulpotomy and a pulpectomy. During the pulpotomy, the endodontist uses special, tiny brushes to make sure that all of the diseased material has been removed. The dentist rinses the area before sealing it with a special medication to restore the remaining nerve. In the case of back teeth, a crown may be necessary for strengthening purposes.
Contact Us if Your Child Has Tooth Pain
If you or your child have been stricken by tooth pain, especially if it’s severe, don’t hesitate to act. We warmly invite you to reach out and make an appointment with Ashburn Children’s Dentistry! At our convenient location in Ashburn, VA, our devoted and knowledgeable staff will be happy to explain the process in greater detail, address any questions or concerns you may have, and help you achieve a healthy and comfortable smile. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to meeting you!
