Pulpotomy: What You Need to Know
What is a Pulpotomy?
A pulpotomy is an important endodontic procedure that restores a tooth by removing the pulp tissue in the crown affected by decay, infection, or trauma before it reaches the root. By addressing the issue early, a pulpotomy can save a tooth from requiring extraction or more complex treatments like a pulpectomy or root canal therapy.
While pulpotomies are most commonly performed on primary (baby) teeth, they can also be effective for permanent teeth in both children and adults when enough healthy pulp and root structure remains to maintain the tooth’s vitality.
Once the affected pulp is removed, our skilled dentists will apply medication to protect the remaining healthy pulp from reinfection. Depending on the extent of the tooth structure that has been removed, a filling or dental crown will be placed to seal the tooth completely, preventing harmful bacteria from entering and providing necessary support for biting forces.
How Do I Know If I Need a Pulpotomy?
To determine if you or your child needs a pulpotomy, our doctors will conduct X-ray images and diagnostic tests to evaluate the extent of decay or damage and the health of the surrounding pulp. Signs that the pulp is affected may include:
- Pain: Sensitivity to temperature or throbbing pain in the affected tooth.
- Swelling: Inflammation around the tooth.
- Discoloration: Darkening of the tooth, which may indicate pulp damage.
This condition is known as pulpitis, which can be classified into two types:
- Reversible Pulpitis: In the early stages, the affected pulp can heal once the cause is addressed. A pulpotomy will remove the damaged pulp, allowing the remaining pulp to be treated with medication and the 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 situation requires a more involved procedure, such as a pulpectomy, root canal, or extraction, depending on the tooth’s condition.
