FAQs About a Pulpotomy Procedure

A pulpotomy is a modern medical procedure used to improve the condition of a decayed tooth with an infected pulp. It is commonly known as the “baby root canal” since it is mostly performed on baby teeth. Ashburn Children’s Dentistry has gained a reputation as one of the few institutions that offer the best pulpotomy procedures in the area.

What is a Pulpotomy?

First, an anesthetic is used to make the client feel comfortable and set for the main process. There are numerous sedation options, and the specialists will discuss them with the patient’s parents/guardians. On the commencement of the main procedure, the dentist uses a rubber band or dam to isolate the target tooth/teeth carefully. Special equipment is then used to carefully and safely remove the decayed parts of the tooth. If there are parts which are infected in the pulp in the crown of the tooth, the dentist will use a spoon excavator to remove them. To avoid further infections, medication is used to sterilize the remaining parts of the pulp. With a special putty, the dentist seals the remaining tooth. The ideal size of a crown or cap is then bonded to the tooth. Stainless steel is the most common material used to form a crown.

Once the procedure is completed, the patient is advised to come back for a checkup after a set amount of time. The dentist will then examine the patient to see how the tooth is healing. This is imperative, since some patients develop infections after a pulpotomy procedure.

What is the Difference Between Pulpotomy and Pulpectomy?

While both procedures are leveraged to save decayed teeth with infected pulps, in pulpotomy, the focus is put on only removing the pulp in the tooth’s crown. The pulp in the root is not touched. On the other hand, pulpectomy entails the removal of all the pulps and then using a dentistry cement to replace the pulp in the roots.

Who is a Candidate for a Pulpotomy?

Unless the inflamed pulp gets confined to the crown of a tooth, a pulpotomy cannot be performed. The tooth must be restorable for the procedure to be done. If a child is in stable health, then they are an ideal candidate for the procedure.

If you notice that your child has signs of decay, make an appointment with the team at Ashburn Children’s Dentistry in Ashburn for an examination. Contact us today to book an appointment for your little one!