What Is Pulp Therapy?
Pulp therapy refers to treatments used to save a baby tooth when decay or infection reaches the inner pulp tissue. These treatments remove the affected tissue while preserving the tooth whenever possible so it can continue to support healthy development.
There are two types of pulp therapy for baby teeth: pulpotomy and pulpectomy. The appropriate treatment depends on how far the decay has progressed, the health of the remaining tooth structure, and whether the tooth can be predictably saved.
Our goal is always to choose the most conservative option that supports long-term oral health and normal development.
What Is a Pulpotomy?
A pulpotomy removes the inflamed or infected pulp tissue from the top chamber of the tooth, (the space inside the crown), while keeping the healthy root pulp in place. A medicated material is placed to protect the remaining healthy root tissue and help preserve the tooth until it is ready to fall out naturally.
This treatment is often called a baby root canal, but it is more conservative because only the affected upper portion of the pulp is treated.
What Is a Pulpectomy?
A pulpectomy removes the inflamed or infected pulp tissue from inside the tooth, including the roots, while preserving the outer structure of the baby tooth. The inner space is then cleaned and filled with a material designed for baby teeth to help preserve the tooth until it is ready to fall out naturally.
This treatment is recommended when the infection extends deeper into the roots and treating only the top portion of the pulp is not enough to preserve the tooth.
Pulpotomy vs. Pulpectomy
| Pulpotomy | Pulpectomy |
|---|---|
| Treats only the affected tissue in the top portion of the tooth | Treats infection that extends deeper into the root canals |
| Healthy root pulp remains in place | All of the pulp tissue inside the tooth is removed |
| Recommended when the root tissue is still healthy | Recommended when infection or inflammation extends into the roots |
Dr. De Lorme and Dr. Wu carefully evaluate each tooth to determine whether a pulpotomy or pulpectomy is the most appropriate treatment for preserving your child’s oral health.
How a Pulp Therapy Is Performed
We take extra time to help your child feel comfortable before treatment begins. By explaining the visit in simple terms and moving at a pace that feels right for your child, we help make the experience easier for both of you.
During the visit, we:
- Numb the area with local anesthetic.
- Remove the decayed portion of the tooth and create access to the inner chamber.
- Gently remove the affected pulp tissue from the top portion of the tooth or from inside the tooth and roots, depending on the treatment.
- Place a medicated or filling material to protect the remaining tooth structure and support healing.
- Seal and restore the tooth with a composite filling when the remaining tooth structure allows.
- In some cases, we may place a pediatric dental crown when additional strength and full coverage are needed.
- Check the bite for a comfortable fit.
Once the numbness wears off, your child can return to normal eating and chewing.
What to Expect After the Appointment
After the visit, the treated area, tongue, lip, or cheek may feel numb for a short time. We recommend waiting until the numbness wears off before eating to help prevent accidental biting.
Some teeth may feel mildly sensitive for a day or two after treatment, especially with chewing. This usually improves quickly.
If discomfort continues, swelling develops, or the bite feels uneven, we can recheck the tooth and make any needed adjustment.
Preventing Decay Whenever Possible
Preventing cavities and treating them early is always the priority. Regular dental visits allow us to monitor your child’s teeth, identify concerns early, and recommend preventive care before problems progress.
Preventive treatments such as fluoride, dental sealants, and early cavity treatment can help reduce the need for more involved procedures. When pulp therapy is necessary, our focus remains on conservative care and preserving the baby tooth whenever possible to support spacing and normal development.
Insurance
We are in-network with Aetna and Cigna and will gladly bill your insurance and help you maximize your benefits.
FAQs
Is a pulpotomy the same as a root canal?
A pulpotomy is sometimes called a baby root canal, but the treatment is different. A pulpotomy removes only the affected pulp tissue from the top portion of a baby tooth, while a root canal removes all of the pulp tissue, including the roots.
Can you do a pulpotomy on a permanent tooth?
In some cases, yes. Pulpotomies are most commonly performed on baby teeth, but they may also be used for developing permanent teeth. In permanent teeth, this type of treatment is often called vital pulp therapy, which focuses on preserving healthy pulp tissue and supporting continued tooth development.
Is a pulpectomy procedure painful?
A pulpectomy is performed using local anesthetic, so your child should not feel pain during the procedure. After the appointment, mild discomfort or sensitivity is possible for a short time, especially when chewing, but this typically improves quickly and most children return to normal activities the same day.
Is a pulpectomy better than an extraction?
When possible, preserving a baby tooth is preferred because it helps maintain spacing and supports normal development. A pulpectomy may allow the tooth to stay in place until it is naturally ready to fall out. However, if the tooth cannot be predictably restored, extraction may be the better option.