Pulpotomy – Coppell, TX
Stop Your Child’s Tooth Pain
It’s an unfortunate fact that any child who is old enough to have teeth is also old enough to suffer from a tooth infection. This can lead to a very painful toothache that won’t go away, and it can put your little one at risk for further oral health issues. In many cases, Dr. Steele can relieve your child’s discomfort and protect their smile with a procedure known as a pulpotomy, also referred to as a “baby root canal.” Reach out to our practice right away if you think your child might need this tooth-saving procedure.
Why Choose Linda A. Steele, DDS for Pulpotomy?
- Same-Day Emergency Pediatric Dental Appointments
- Safe Dental Sedation Options for Children
- Experienced, Caring Pediatric Dentist
Does Your Child Need a Pulpotomy?
A pulpotomy is a procedure where the innermost part of the tooth – namely the collection of nerves, blood vessels, and tissues known as the pulp – is partially removed. This is often necessary if your child has a cavity that has spread to the point of reaching the pulp, resulting in an infection.
Your child might require a pulpotomy if:
- They have a tooth that is causing persistent or sharp pain.
- They have a tooth that is sensitive to hot or cold foods.
- They have gums that are swollen around the infected tooth.
- They have a noticeable bump on their gums near the tooth.
Please let our team know right away if your child is experiencing any of these symptoms; it’s important to act as quickly as possible if you want to have the best chance of saving the tooth in question.
The Process of Getting a Pulpotomy
First, we’ll need to examine your child’s tooth closely and learn more about their situation. If a pulpotomy is deemed necessary, we’ll begin the procedure by numbing your little one’s mouth with a local anesthetic. Then we’ll create an opening in the tooth so that we can access the pulp.
The infected or damaged part of the pulp will be taken out. Then the tooth will be thoroughly cleaned before it is resealed. Your child might need to have a dental crown placed so that the treated tooth can continue to function normally.
The Benefits of Getting a Pulpotomy
Not only does a pulpotomy put a stop to your child’s pain, but it also gets rid of the infection in the tooth before it can spread to other parts of the mouth. On top of that, it will let your little one keep their natural tooth, which is essential for ensuring that the rest of their smile stays properly aligned.
While baby teeth are meant to come out eventually, it’s still worth saving them with a pulpotomy. This is because the baby teeth perform an important role in maintaining the necessary space for permanent teeth. If they fall out prematurely, the permanent teeth might come in wrong. Thus, it’s best to help your child keep their baby teeth until they’re ready to fall out on their own.