Services

Pulpotomy Procedures

in Duncanville, Texas

Deep decay can affect a tooth's nerve, causing a host of problems, including immense pain or even tooth loss. Your trusted team at Smile By Smile Dental may recommend a root canal treatment for your child, called a baby root canal or pulpotomy, to remove the damaged pulp tissue and save the tooth. We are all about maintaining our young patients' long-term healthy smiles!

Why Save a Damaged Baby Tooth?

The premature loss of primary teeth can interfere with your child's speech development and chewing. It can also impact the alignment of the permanent teeth because baby teeth maintain the space needed for them to erupt in the correct position. Moreover, a gap in your child's smile can result in the adjacent teeth shifting and tilting, potentially resulting in crooked teeth, a crowded mouth, or problems with your child's bite.

What Happens During a Pulpotomy?

A pulpotomy, or nerve treatment, is a procedure similar to root canal therapy and involves removing the damaged portion of the pulp to provide relief to the remaining, healthy pulp tissue. We will start by numbing the area and will make a small opening at the top of the affected tooth to access the pulp chamber. We will remove the diseased tissue, clean and sterilize the area, then place a medicated filling to seal the space and prevent bacteria from reentering. After the procedure, a pediatric dental crown will help strengthen the tooth and protect it from future damage. Your child will feel relief either immediately, or within a few days of the pulpotomy.

How Can You Prevent the Need for Pulp Therapy?

The best way to prevent pulp damage is to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Encourage regular brushing and flossing, and don’t forget to schedule your child's routine dental exams and cleanings every six months. Caring for your child's smile early on will lay the groundwork for a lifetime of oral health.