Pediatric Dentistry
A pulpotomy removes the infected or inflamed part of the pulp in the crown of a baby tooth, while leaving the healthy root pulp intact. The tooth is then sealed and usually protected with a crown.
It is used when decay has reached the pulp of a primary tooth but the root remains healthy. Keeping the baby tooth helps hold space for the permanent tooth and supports chewing.
Benefits
- Helps save a decayed baby tooth
- Relieves pain from pulp involvement
- Maintains space for permanent teeth
- Performed with local anaesthetic
- Usually completed in one visit
What to Expect
- Examination and X-ray
- Local anaesthetic and child-friendly behaviour guidance
- Removal of decay and the affected pulp
- Placement of a medicated dressing
- Sealing with a filling
- Stainless steel crown or restoration
Frequently Asked Questions
The tooth is numbed and the dentist uses gentle techniques. Some children have mild soreness afterwards.
Keeping the baby tooth helps guide the permanent tooth into position. Your dentist will explain if extraction is better in your child's case.
Often yes, because the tooth is weaker after treatment. A stainless steel crown is a common option.
