Pulpotomy

What is a Pulpotomy?

A pulpotomy is a dental procedure used in pediatric dentistry to remove the inflamed or infected nerve tissue of a primary (baby) tooth. We often use it in cases of severe dental decay that has reached the pulp, or nerve, of the tooth. This procedure is done to preserve the tooth for as long as possible.

Why Does My Child Need a Pulpotomy?

The primary reason for performing a pulpotomy is to save the tooth and prevent the need for extraction. When decay reaches the nerve of the tooth, it can cause the tooth to become weak and cause pain. A pulpotomy can help to remove the infected nerve tissue and allow the tooth to stay strong. This can ultimately give your child a better outcome and prevent the need for a more extensive treatment such as a root canal.

What is the Pulpotomy Process and Procedure?

To perform a pulpotomy, Dr. Alfred Burns, Dr. Anas Hakimeh, Dr. Dorothy Causey, Dr. Hennah Shamji, or Dr. Israel Saintil Theurer will need to take x-rays to determine the extent of the decay. Once we have determined that a pulpotomy is the best course of action, we will begin the procedure by numbing the tooth with a local anesthetic. Once the area is anesthetized, Dr. Alfred Burns, Dr. Anas Hakimeh, Dr. Dorothy Causey, Dr. Hennah Shamji, or Dr. Israel Saintil Theurer will use a drill to remove the decayed material from the tooth’s nerve chamber. We will then clean out any remaining debris and apply a medicated solution to the area to help kill any remaining bacteria.  

Once we apply the solution, Dr. Alfred Burns, Dr. Anas Hakimeh, Dr. Dorothy Causey, Dr. Hennah Shamji, or Dr. Israel Saintil Theurer will fill the chamber with a special material known as a pulp cap. This pulp cap will prevent bacteria growth and help protect the tooth. In some cases, the dentist may also need to place a stainless steel crown on the tooth to protect it further.

A pulpotomy is a relatively simple procedure and can be very effective in saving a primary tooth. The procedure’s success will depend on the decay’s extent and the tooth’s overall health. Sometimes, we may need to extract the tooth if the erosion is too widespread or if the tooth is too weak to save. In either case, it is essential to take proper care of the tooth after the procedure to ensure that it remains healthy and strong for as long as possible.

Pulpotomy Aftercare

After receiving a pulpotomy, you should take a few steps to ensure proper healing and prevent further damage or infection.   

• Follow the dentist’s instructions. It is essential to follow the dentist’s aftercare instructions carefully. These instructions may include your child taking antibiotics as prescribed, avoiding certain foods, and avoiding hard or chewy foods that could disrupt the treatment site. It is also important to clean the area with warm salt water rinses and brush gently with a soft toothbrush.
• Attend follow-up appointments. After a pulpotomy, attending all follow-up appointments with the dentist is vital. These appointments will allow us to monitor the healing process and ensure that the treatment site is healing properly.
• Avoid biting on the treated tooth. It is essential to have your child avoid biting down on the treated tooth for several weeks following the procedure. This will ensure proper healing and will help to prevent any further damage.
• Use caution when eating. During healing, your child must eat soft foods and avoid hard or chewy foods. If a food is too hard or chewy, it can damage the treated tooth or disrupt the healing process.  

By following these steps, you should be able to ensure proper healing after a pulpotomy. It is essential to follow the dentist’s instructions carefully and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure adequate recovery and prevent any further damage or infection.

Pulpotomy in Cibolo, Floresville, San Marcos, and Seguin, TX

For children, a pulpotomy can be a great way to preserve their primary teeth and prevent the need for more extensive treatments. It is also a relatively quick and painless procedure. However, parents need to ensure that their child receives regular dental exams to catch any potential problems early and prevent the need for a pulpotomy.