Cavities are common and are often treated with dental fillings. But sometimes tooth decay progresses until it reaches the inside of the tooth, its pulp. When this happens, it is necessary to treat the infected tooth to restore its health and structure. One way to do this is with a pulpotomy, which is similar to a root canal treatment.
What is a Pulpotomy?
A pulpotomy is a conservative treatment in which the pulp in the top part of the tooth is removed and replaced with a medicated filling to help remove the infection and restore the tooth’s structure.
What to Expect During the Treatment
Your child’s comfort and ease is important to us for any treatment. If your child is anxious, we may offer dental sedation to help calm them. The treatment begins by numbing the tooth and its surrounding areas. We will then remove the infected pulp and replace it with a medicated filling. Finally, we may also place a dental crown on the tooth to give it more support and protection.
How Do You Decide a Pulpotomy is Necessary?
We will use digital X-rays to get an accurate and precise image of the decay. If the infected tooth is a baby tooth and we see a new tooth starting to show, we may choose not to perform the treatment, since the baby tooth will soon be replaced with the adult tooth. If there isn’t a sign of a new tooth, we may recommend a pulpotomy. If left untreated, a child may suffer from tooth sensitivity and the tooth may break. A pulpotomy is designed to help restore comfort to your child and structure to the tooth.
Schedule a Root Canal Treatment With Us
Like a root canal treatment, a pulpotomy can help restore an infected tooth in your child. To learn more, or to schedule a visit, contact our office at 214-321-4880. We proudly welcome patients from Dallas, TX, and all surrounding communities, including Garland, Mesquite, Richardson, and more.