A Pulpotomy Treats Your Child’s Infected Teeth

Posted June 29, 2022

When a tooth is infected, then a dental filling may not be enough to treat it and prevent serious complications. Instead, a root canal could be used to address the issue. For children, we have a conservative alternative with the pulpotomy. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about the pulpotomy process.

The Causes of a Child’s Dental Infection

Tooth decay occurs when harmful oral bacteria reach the layers of dentin, which make up most of the tooth structure but are usually protected by the outer enamel. However, poor oral hygiene could allow plaque to develop and weaken enamel, and injuries could compromise the protective layer too. As the cavity spreads, the inner pulp, the tooth’s nerve center, is exposed to bacteria and an infection develops. Without treatment, this could cause serious pain. In addition to toothaches and sensitivity, kids could have pain when they eat, swelling near the tooth, headaches, and jaw pain. Without treatment, the tooth could become lost prematurely, a common factor behind dental misalignment.

An Alternative to Root Canals

When we examine the tooth and discover your child has an infection, we will take detailed digital x-rays to diagnose the position and severity of the problem. We then numb the area and to ensure they feel calm and relaxed, we could discuss the use of dental sedation. When your child is properly relaxed, we start the pulpotomy by opening the tooth to remove the infected portion of the pulp. We then add a special medicated filling material to the interior. The last step is to cap the tooth with a crown. We could use stainless steel for the rear ones, which endure greater bite forces, or a more lifelike zirconia option for the front facing ones.

Preventing Future Oral Health Concerns

You could also help your child enjoy a lowered risk of dental infection with good daily oral hygiene habits. For example, offer healthier snack options and cut back on their access to sugary foods and drinks. Daily brushing and floss are helpful too, as this helps remove food particles that could feed bacteria and cause cavities and other issues. Finally, be sure your little one sees us for a checkup and cleaning every six months, so we can keep a close eye on the smile and also remove all plaque and tartar buildup. If you have any questions, then contact our team today to learn more.

Do You Have Questions About Treating Infected Teeth?

Our team is ready to help kids of all ages preserve their smiles and avoid premature tooth loss. If you have any questions about preserving the health and function of your child’s smile, then contact your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, by calling (214) 321-4880.