Pulpotomies, commonly known as "baby root canals," are a common dental treatment for children suffering from severe tooth decay or injury. This procedure is needed when the cavity is already into the pulp/nerve of the tooth. This procedure helps to preserve the tooth by removing the infected part of the pulp/nerve, which prevents further damage or infection. Dr. Dan Hoang at Campfire Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Colorado Springs is highly experienced in performing pulpotomies, ensuring your child's comfort and safety throughout the process.
Pulpotomies versus Root Canals
Although pulpotomies are commonly known as “baby root canals,” the reason is mainly because that’s the closest procedure that parents may be familiar with. In reality, baby root canals and adult root canals are drastically different. In a pulpotomy, we’re removing the part of the nerve affected by the deep cavity. In a root canal, we’re removing the entire nerve. Also, the medication that we put inside the tooth afterwards is completely different.
A pulpotomy is often the best course of action when a child's tooth has a cavity too close to or into the nerve. If we were to place a filling that close to the nerve or into the nerve itself, it would lead to abscess, pain and infection. Pulpotomies will help to alleviate pain and discomfort caused by severe tooth decay or injury. Plus, by performing a pulpotomy and saving the child’s tooth, as opposed to extraction, the child is able to function normally and the tooth will remain to hold space for the developing permanent tooth.
A pulpotomy can save a severely decayed baby tooth from extraction!
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A pulpotomy can provide immediate relief from severe toothache caused by decay or injury. By removing the infected pulp tissue, the source of pain is eliminated, allowing your child to eat, speak, and sleep without discomfort.
One of the primary benefits of a pulpotomy is that it helps to preserve the natural tooth. This is particularly important in children, as losing a baby tooth prematurely can lead to spacing/orthodontic issues for permanent teeth.
A pulpotomy stops the spread of infection, preventing further damage to the tooth and surrounding tissues. An untreated large cavity can lead to a non-restorable tooth where extraction is the only option. Pulpotomies can help to maintain your child's overall oral health and reduce the risk of future dental problems.
The journey to treat your child's dental health begins with a comprehensive diagnosis. Dr. Dan, an experienced board-certified pediatric dentist, starts by meticulously examining your child's mouth and teeth. This examination is crucial to identify the specific issues affecting the dental health of your child. To get a deeper understanding, Dr. Dan takes dental X-rays. These images are key in determining whether a pulpotomy is the best treatment option.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, Dr. Dan will administer local anesthesia to numb the area. He will then make a small opening in the tooth to access the pulp chamber, also known as the nerve. Using specialized dental tools, he will carefully remove the infected pulp from the crown portion of the tooth. This step is crucial in eliminating the source of infection and paving the way for the healing process.
Dr. Dan applies a special medication to the remaining pulp tissue. This medication is key in safeguarding the tooth against further bacterial invasion and promoting healing. The final step in this process involves sealing the tooth. Dr. Dan then selects a dental crown, which is placed over the tooth. This crown serves a dual purpose: it protects the tooth from future damage and restores its functionality. The crown is carefully chosen to ensure it fits comfortably and looks natural in your child's mouth. This completes the pulpotomy treatment and sets the stage for a healthy dental future.
There are many options when it comes to medication for use in pulpotomies on baby teeth. They vary in cost to the dental office and some are strictly better than others. Some have known failures and some even have been linked to carcinogenicity. At Campfire Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Dan only uses the best material for his pulpotomies. The increased cost of the medication does not matter to him, if it means it’s the better option for the child’s health.
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Monday - Friday: 8:00am to 5:00pm
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