What is a pulpectomy?
A pulpectomy is an endodontic procedure that restores a tooth by removing the pulp tissue in the crown and roots affected by decay, infection or damage from trauma. Pulpectomies are often recommended for primary (baby) teeth when the tooth structure is savable (does not need extraction), and sometimes permanent teeth to relieve pain when a root canal is unable to be completed until a later date.
Once the affected pulp is removed our doctors will sterilize the tooth and apply a medicine that will help to prevent reinfection. A dental crown is then placed to seal the tooth to prevent harmful bacteria from entering and provide structural support to withstand your biting forces.
How do I know if I need a pulpectomy?
X-ray images and diagnostic tests allow our doctors to assess the extent of decay or damage and the health of the surrounding pulp. Since the tooth’s nerves are in the pulp, you may experience pain and sensitivity to temperature if the pulp is affected, a condition known as pulpitis.
There are two types of pulpitis:
Reversible pulpitis: In the early stages once the cause is addressed and affected pulp is removed by a pulpotomy, the remaining pulp can be treated with medication and tooth sealed with a filling or crown.
Irreversible pulpitis: In more advanced stages, the pulp is too damaged to heal on its own and will eventually die. This requires a more involved procedure, such as a pulpectomy,
Why is it important to treat baby teeth?
- Decay on baby teeth can affect the permanent teeth underneath. The harmful bacteria that cause decay like to travel, and if left untreated, will make its way under the gum line and spread to the unerupted permanent teeth and jawbone. Once the bacteria make its way under the gumline more serious and difficult to treat conditions such as an infection (abscess) and the extraction of teeth become a concern.
- Baby teeth are placeholders for permanent teeth. A baby tooth falls out when the permanent tooth is pushing it out. Without the baby tooth to save space the surrounding teeth with shift out of their ideal positions and into the gap created by the missing baby tooth. When the permanent tooth is ready to erupt, the spot it needs to go won’t be there so if may find another, less ideal place , or not erupt at all. If this happens, once all the permanent teeth have erupted, braces or surgery may be needed to correct your child’s bit so it will function optimally.
- Your teeth support speech development. Teeth act as a backstop for your tongue and support for the lips. When learning how to speak it is important for children to learn how to correctly form the shape of their mouths to pronounce words and speak clearly.
- Your teeth and smile are an important part of a confident self. Confidence and feeling good about yourself is an important part of making friends, doing well in school, feeling brave enough to try something new or scary. If your child is self-conscious about their mouth and teeth, they may be less willing to engage in social interactions.
