Skip to main content

Pulpotomy

A pulpotomy is a common dental procedure used to treat baby teeth (primary teeth) when tooth decay or trauma has reached the nerve of the tooth. It is sometimes referred to as a “baby root canal,” although it is different from a full root canal treatment. The aim of a pulpotomy is to remove the infected portion of the nerve tissue while keeping the healthy part of the tooth alive and functional.

Pulpotomies are most commonly performed in children to help preserve baby teeth until the adult teeth are ready to come through naturally. Keeping baby teeth healthy is important for chewing, speech development, and maintaining space for permanent teeth.

A pulpotomy may be recommended when:

    • A deep cavity reaches the nerve of the tooth
    • The child experiences toothache or sensitivity
    • There is inflammation of the pulp
    • The tooth has been damaged by trauma or fracture
    • The tooth is important to keep until the adult tooth erupts

Signs that a child may need treatment include:

    • Pain when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods
    • Night-time toothache
    • Swelling or tenderness around the tooth
    • Sensitivity when chewing
    • A visible large cavity

A pulpotomy is usually completed under local anaesthetic so the area is numb and comfortable.

The procedure generally involves:

      1. Removing tooth decay
      2. Opening the tooth to access the pulp chamber
      3. Removing the inflamed or infected pulp tissue from the crown portion of the tooth
      4. Placing a special medicated material over the healthy remaining pulp
      5. Sealing and restoring the tooth

In many cases, especially for baby molars, the tooth is restored with a stainless steel crown to protect it from fracture and future decay.

Pulpotomy

    • Removes only the infected pulp in the crown of the tooth
    • Leaves healthy pulp in the roots intact
    • Used when the infection has not spread into the root canals


Root Canal

    • Removes all pulp tissue from the crown and roots
    • Used when the infection has spread throughout the entire root canal system


If the tooth cannot be predictably saved, extraction may sometimes be recommended instead

Pulpotomies are considered highly successful when performed on appropriately selected teeth. Modern materials and techniques have greatly improved long-term outcomes.

The goal is to keep the baby tooth healthy and functional until it naturally falls out at the correct time.

Book a Check Up Today