When a deep cavity in a baby tooth reaches the nerve (pulp), your pediatric dentist may recommend a pulpotomy. A pulpotomy removes part of the tooth’s pulp to prevent or treat the formation of an abscess. Your child’s baby teeth are important in guiding permanent teeth into position, so you want to treat and keep baby teeth until they are lost naturally. The Super Dentists will recommend a pulpotomy for baby teeth instead of removal because it is critical to restore baby teeth for future development.
Children’s Pulpotomy in Primary Teeth
Baby teeth are softer than permanent teeth and can decay more quickly. A pulpotomy for children is usually performed to buy some time so the baby tooth can remain until it falls out naturally. Pulpotomy is a reliable treatment to save a decayed baby tooth.
If your child receives a local anesthetic for the pulpotomy, make sure to watch him/her for several hours to make sure there is no chewing of the cheek, tongue or lips that have been numbed. Do not give your child any medications (including over-the-counter) without first asking your pediatric dentist.
