Root Canal Treatment
Clear infection from inside a tooth to ease the ache and keep your natural tooth.
About root canal treatmentRestorative care
Pulpotomy for children in Herriman
If your child has a deep cavity in a baby tooth, you may wonder why it matters when the tooth will fall out anyway. A pulpotomy can save that tooth until it is ready to come out.
What is a pulpotomy?
A pulpotomy treats a baby tooth when decay has reached the soft center, called the pulp. Your child's dentist removes the sore, infected part at the top of the pulp and leaves the healthy part in the roots. The tooth is then sealed and usually covered with a small crown.
- Most often done on baby molars
- Lets the tooth stay until it falls out naturally
- Often finished in one visit of about 30 to 45 minutes
Why saving a baby tooth matters
Baby teeth hold space for the adult teeth growing under them. When one is lost too early, the teeth beside it can drift into the gap and crowd the adult tooth later. Baby teeth also help your child chew and learn to speak clearly.
Your child may need a pulpotomy if you notice:
- Pain when chewing, or avoiding one side of the mouth
- A tooth that hurts with cold or hot foods for a long time
- Waking up at night with a toothache
- Swelling or a small bump on the gum near a tooth
- A baby tooth that has turned gray or dark
Your child's dentist takes x-rays to see how deep the decay goes. If the infection has spread into the roots or the tooth is close to falling out, pulling it may be the better choice. For a smaller cavity, a simple filling may be all that is needed. Adult teeth with deep infection usually need full root canal treatment instead.
What to expect at your child's visit
- Numbing. The dentist numbs the tooth so your child stays comfortable. We explain each step in kid-friendly words.
- Removing the infected pulp. The dentist opens the top of the tooth and gently removes the irritated tissue in the crown of the tooth.
- Medicine and seal. A medicated material is placed over the healthy pulp to help it heal, and the tooth is sealed.
- Crown. Most teeth get a small stainless steel crown to protect them from breaking or getting new decay.
Helping your child get ready
Use calm, simple words, like "the dentist will fix your tooth so it stops hurting." Try not to use words like shot or hurt. Playing dentist at home with a stuffed animal can help. Bring a favorite toy or blanket if it helps your child feel safe.
Care at home after a pulpotomy
Watch your child until the numbness wears off so they do not chew or bite their lip, cheek or tongue. Soft foods are best for the rest of the day. Some soreness is normal, and children's over-the-counter pain relief can help when used as the label directs. Help your child brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, including around the crown. Limit sugary snacks and drinks between meals, and offer water instead. Sealants and fluoride can help protect the other teeth.
Cost and insurance
Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.
FAQ
Questions about pulpotomy
How is a pulpotomy different from a root canal?
A pulpotomy removes only the infected pulp at the top of the tooth and keeps the healthy part in the roots. A root canal removes all of the pulp, roots included. Pulpotomies are mostly done on baby teeth.
Should my child have a pulpotomy or have the tooth pulled?
If the healthy pulp in the roots can be saved, a pulpotomy keeps the tooth in place to hold space. If the infection is too deep or the tooth is about to fall out, pulling it may make more sense. Your child's dentist will explain the choice.
Will the crown come off?
The crown stays on until the baby tooth falls out on its own, and it comes out with the tooth. Call us if it gets loose sooner.
How long does a pulpotomy take?
Most take about 30 to 45 minutes, including placing the crown.
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A thin, clear coating on back teeth that helps keep food and germs out of grooves.
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Call to book your visit
Our Herriman team will answer your questions and find a time that works for you.