Protect Your Smile with Pulpotomy
Gentle, Proven Care to Preserve the Health of Your Tooth
A pulpotomy is a common dental procedure designed to protect a tooth from further damage and prevent the need for extraction. The treatment involves removing the inner soft tissue of the tooth, known as the pulp, which contains essential nerves and blood vessels. The primary goal of a pulpotomy is to remove any infected or inflamed pulp tissue while preserving as much of the healthy pulp as possible.
This procedure is often performed on primary (baby) teeth when decay has reached the nerve center, leading to pain and an increased risk of infection. It can also be used on permanent teeth that have large cavities or fractures affecting the pulp. By saving the tooth, a pulpotomy helps maintain its function and appearance, reducing the need for more invasive treatments.
When might a pulpotomy be required?
A pulpotomy is a vital dental treatment designed to preserve a child’s primary (baby) tooth. To appreciate its significance, it's important to understand the anatomy of a tooth. The tooth contains a soft tissue called the pulp, which nourishes the tooth with nerves and blood vessels. In cases of decay or injury, this pulp can become infected or inflamed. If left untreated, this infection can cause significant pain and even lead to abscesses.
A pulpotomy works by removing only the damaged part of the pulp, allowing the rest of the tooth to remain intact. This procedure helps prevent the need for extraction, keeping the natural tooth in place and avoiding further damage.
Untreated infections in the pulp can spread to neighboring teeth and even interfere with the development of permanent teeth beneath the primary ones. While parents may understandably feel concerned about any procedure, a pulpotomy is crucial in safeguarding their child’s oral health and ensuring the proper growth of permanent teeth in the future.
What is the procedure for performing a pulpotomy?
To begin the pulpotomy procedure, the affected area is numbed with a local anesthetic to ensure the patient feels no discomfort. The dentist then uses specialized tools to carefully access the tooth's inner chambers by drilling through the surface. Once inside, any decayed or infected pulp tissue is gently removed.
At DentRight Dental San Antonio, we remove all damaged tissue and then apply medicated materials like mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) to promote healing. A filling is then placed to seal the tooth. Depending on the severity of the condition, additional treatments such as a dental crown or root canal therapy may be recommended to further protect the tooth.
If you're experiencing dental pain and want to preserve your tooth, a pulpotomy is an effective solution. It not only alleviates pain caused by infection or decay but also helps maintain the integrity of your tooth. If you're noticing symptoms like sensitivity to hot or cold foods, it's important to seek treatment promptly. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and discuss your options!
