Pulpotomy and Pulpectomy for Children in Sioux Falls, SD
Pulpotomy and Pulpectomy for Children in Sioux Falls, SD
At Children’s Dental Center, we provide pulpotomy and pulpectomy treatments to treat infected or damaged teeth. These gentle procedures help preserve your child’s natural tooth and promote long-term oral health.
Pulpotomy and Pulpectomy for Kids in Sioux Falls, SD
Save the Tooth
At Children’s Dental Center in Sioux Falls, SD, we offer pulpotomy and pulpectomy treatments to save damaged or infected teeth in children. Our gentle care helps restore your child’s oral health and protect their smile.
Pulpotomy and Pulpectomy for Children in Sioux Falls, SD
At Children’s Dental Center in Sioux Falls, SD, we provide pulpotomy and pulpectomy procedures to treat damaged or infected teeth in children. When a tooth becomes infected due to deep decay or trauma, these treatments can save the tooth and prevent the need for extraction. Both procedures are often referred to as “baby root canals” because they address issues with the tooth’s pulp, the soft inner tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels. Our pediatric dental team uses gentle techniques to ensure your child’s comfort while restoring their tooth to full health.
Why Your Child Might Need a Pulpotomy or Pulpectomy
A pulpotomy or pulpectomy may be necessary when a child’s tooth is severely decayed or injured, and the infection has reached the pulp. Symptoms that may indicate the need for these procedures include:
- Tooth pain or sensitivity: Persistent pain or sensitivity, especially to hot or cold, can indicate an infection in the tooth’s pulp.
- Tooth decay: When decay is too deep for a regular filling, a pulpotomy or pulpectomy may be needed to save the tooth.
- Swelling or abscess: Swelling around the tooth or gums could signal a serious infection that requires immediate attention.
- Injury or trauma: Teeth that are injured and have pulp damage may need a pulpotomy or pulpectomy to restore health.
These procedures help preserve the natural tooth and avoid the complications that come with extraction.
What’s the Difference Between a Pulpotomy and Pulpectomy?
At Children’s Dental Center in Sioux Falls, SD, we determine whether a pulpotomy or pulpectomy is necessary based on the extent of the damage to the tooth:
- Pulpotomy: This procedure involves removing only the infected part of the pulp, leaving the healthy tissue intact. A pulpotomy is typically used when the infection has not spread to the root of the tooth. The tooth is then sealed and often covered with a crown for protection.
- Pulpectomy: In cases where the infection has reached the root canals, a pulpectomy is needed. This involves removing all of the pulp tissue, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and filling the space with a biocompatible material. A crown is usually placed afterward to restore function and strength.
Both procedures aim to save the tooth while preventing further infection or damage.
Gentle and Caring Pediatric Dentistry in Sioux Falls, SD
At Children’s Dental Center, we understand that dental treatments can be intimidating for children. Our experienced pediatric dental team takes great care to ensure that pulpotomies and pulpectomies are performed with the utmost gentleness and precision. We prioritize your child’s comfort and work hard to make their dental visit as stress-free as possible. If your child is experiencing tooth pain or has been diagnosed with an infection, contact us today to learn more about how we can help with a pulpotomy or pulpectomy.
What is a pulpotomy?
A pulpotomy is a procedure that removes the infected portion of the tooth’s pulp, leaving the healthy pulp intact, typically followed by a crown to protect the tooth.
What is a pulpectomy?
A pulpectomy involves removing all of the infected pulp tissue from the tooth, cleaning the root canals, and filling them to prevent further infection. It is typically followed by placing a crown.
How do I know if my child needs a pulpotomy or pulpectomy?
Signs that your child may need these procedures include persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, or an abscess near the tooth. Your dentist will evaluate and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Is a pulpotomy or pulpectomy painful for children?
No, both procedures are performed under local anesthesia, ensuring your child is comfortable and pain-free throughout the treatment.
Will my child need a crown after a pulpotomy or pulpectomy?
Yes, a crown is often placed after either procedure to restore the tooth’s strength and protect it from future damage.
How long does a pulpotomy or pulpectomy take?
Both procedures are typically completed in one visit and usually take about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case.
What happens if we don’t treat the infected tooth?
If left untreated, an infected tooth can lead to severe pain, abscesses, and the potential spread of infection. Ultimately, it may require extraction, which could affect your child’s oral development.
Conditions that Pulpotomy/Pulpectomy could help with
Here's a non-exhaustive list of conditions that we've identified Pulpotomy/Pulpectomy to be possibly beneficial for. Contact our office for more information!