The inside of a tooth is called the pulp. This is where all of the tooth’s blood vessels and nerves are found. Enamel protects the pulp on healthy teeth, but a cavity or crack in the tooth can expose the pulp. A serious toothache will last until the pulp is no longer exposed. This is why it is highly important to make sure your child takes care of their teeth. If your child is suffering from a large cavity that has exposed the pulp of their tooth, then they will likely need to undergo a pulpotomy to fix the problem.
A pulpotomy is a dental procedure designed to repair and restore a tooth after the pulp has become exposed. This procedure is primarily performed on baby molars, so it will not be done on permanent teeth. The damaged pulp must also be located in the crown of the tooth in order for the procedure to be successful. If your child is in good overall health and has a relatively clean smile, then they may be a good candidate for a pulpotomy.
It is highly important to seek dental treatment as soon as your child starts to complain about a toothache. If you let the pulp become too damaged, then removing the tooth will be the only option.
During the pulpotomy procedure, our pediatric dentist can isolate the tooth and use a special dental tool to remove all of the damaged tissue in the pulp. Once the damaged tissues are gone, the rest of the tooth can be sterilized. The missing portion of the pulp is then replaced with a filling or crown.
Since all of the damaged tissues are removed during the procedure, your child is not likely to experience much discomfort after the procedure is successfully completed. Of course, your child will eventually have to return for a follow-up appointment. During this time, the dentist will make sure the tooth is healing properly. While this is an extremely safe procedure, it is still a good idea to monitor the tooth. If everything looks alright, then the pulp of your child’s tooth will stay protected until the tooth falls out.
During a regular dental checkup at Ashburn Children’s Dentistry, you may learn more about how a pulpotomy procedure works. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our office in Ashburn, VA!
