“Pulpotomy” is the medical term for a treatment procedure that removes diseased pulp tissue from the center of a tooth. At Restoration Smiles: Adult & Pediatric Dentistry, we perform this procedure when the infection has spread too far to be repaired, and the tooth cannot be salvaged.

The dentist will first carefully remove the infected tissue from the inside of the tooth. They will then fill the hollowed-out space with biocompatible material to preserve the tooth’s structure. This treatment process is followed by placing a dental crown or a filling to restore the natural appearance and reinforce the structure of the affected tooth.

Pulpotomy is typically recommended for younger patients whose tooth has an infected pulp that has not reached the roots partially because those roots have not fully formed yet. When the pulp inside the baby tooth has become infected with bacteria or decay, just like permanent teeth, it needs to be removed to prevent the spread of infection to surrounding teeth and tissues.

How Does Pulpotomy Work?

The inflamed or infected pulp tissue is removed from inside the tooth during a pulpotomy. The dentist will use tools to access the tooth's inside and remove all diseased tissues and bacteria. Once this is done, the dentist will thoroughly clean the area and ensure it is completely sterilized. They will then apply either a medication or an antibacterial agent inside the tooth to help it heal. Afterward, they will place a temporary filling on the tooth to protect the area until it is fully healed. Once the tooth has healed, a permanent filling or crown will be placed over the tooth to improve aesthetics and prevent further damage.

The Advantages of Pulpotomy

If a baby tooth’s nerve is damaged or has become infected, there is a chance that decay may spread to the baby tooth’s roots and even into the adult teeth under the gums. In these cases, it may be necessary to perform a pulpotomy to remove the baby tooth’s damaged nerves and clean the canals that will allow the adult tooth to grow healthy and robust. Here are other advantages of performing a pulpotomy:

• Less invasive than traditional root canal treatment
• Saves the tooth from extraction
• Allows for normal development of the tooth as it grows in
• Prevents further infection and decay in the surrounding teeth
• Improves the function of the tooth, allowing you to chew properly

This procedure is recommended for kids whose dental pulp has been exposed by cavities and infected by bacteria. Contact Restoration Smiles: Adult & Pediatric Dentistry at 2 Coolidge St, Suite 202, Hudson, MA 01749, or call (508) 658-0661 to learn more or schedule a consultation with your pediatric dentist! We want your child’s teeth to be as healthy and robust as possible!