Does my child need a pulpotomy?
Primary teeth are space holders for permanent teeth and need to stay in place until a child is 10 to 12 years old. A pulpotomy keeps a primary tooth intact, so it can guide the permanent tooth that will follow and prevent spacing issues that create a need for orthodontic treatment.
What is the difference between a pulpotomy and a root canal?
A pulpotomy is more invasive than a standard filling, but a root canal is far more invasive than a pulpotomy. With a pulpotomy, only the top most pulp is removed. With a root canal, all the tooth’s pulp must be removed, including the roots, before filling and sealing.
Does your child need a pulpotomy?
If a primary tooth has pulpal (nerve) damage or a newly erupted adult tooth has nerve damage, your child may require a root canal treatment (a pulpotomy). Whether the pulp has been damaged because of trauma or cavities, the tooth still needs to be addressed.
Is pulpotomy painful for kids?
Baby Root Canals (aka Pulpotomy or Pulpectomy) A cavity that involves the nerve (pulp) of the tooth may cause a child to experience intense pain. Although the pain may actually subside for a period of time using ibuprofen or antibiotics, it will return unless the tooth is properly treated. When the nerve of the tooth is infected, it must be treated to restore the child to good dental health.
What is the difference between a root canal and a pulpotomy?
A vital pulpotomy removes part of a tooth’s nerve tissue, whereas root canal is a complete nerve tissue removal and root canal filling is done. You can think of a pulpectomy as a “partial” root canal. A vital pulpotomy removes part of a tooth’s nerve tissue, whereas root canal is a complete nerve tissue removal and root canal filling is done.
Does a pulpotomy hurt?
You should experience no pain during a pulpotomy and only minor pain afterward. If only a pulpotomy is being done on a permanent adult tooth, the tooth should be watched and monitored.