Please note we may not offer this service at our office. Contact (408) 377-5134 for more information.
Your Guide to Pulpotomy Treatment
When your child experiences tooth pain from untreated tooth decay, your dentist may recommend gentle, effective pulpotomy procedures to save baby teeth and prevent tooth loss.
Discover more about this pediatric dentistry procedure with our San Jose dentist, Dr. Amir HagShenas, by calling (408) 377-5134. We proudly welcome patients from throughout San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, and Santa Clara.
What Is Pulpotomy?
A pulpotomy is a minimally invasive dental procedure that removes infected pulp tissue from your child’s tooth while preserving healthy dental pulp. This common procedure focuses on treating the coronal pulp (pulp in the tooth’s crown) while maintaining the radicular pulp (pulp in the roots) to keep primary teeth functional until adult teeth naturally emerge.
Why Choose Pulpotomy Over Root Canal Treatment? Unlike traditional root canal therapy, which removes all pulp tissue, pulpotomy preserves the remaining pulp in the roots, making it the preferred treatment for baby teeth. This vital pulp therapy approach offers a conservative alternative to complete tooth extraction, especially important for primary molars that play an important role in your child’s development.
When Does Your Child Need Pulpotomy Treatment?
Here are the common signs that indicate your child may need a pulpotomy:
- Severe tooth pain that interferes with eating or sleeping
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages
- Swelling around the affected tooth or gums
- Visible cavities with carious exposure of the pulp
- Difficulty chewing on one side of the mouth
- Spontaneous pain that occurs without triggers
If your child experiences any of these symptoms, contact our San Jose dentist’s office immediately at (408) 377-5134.
What Pulpotomy Can Treat
Here are the common dental issues pulpotomy can treat:
- Irreversible pulpitis in primary teeth
- Deep tooth decay affecting the pulp chamber
- Infected pulp from untreated cavities
- Symptomatic permanent teeth in specific cases
- Immature permanent teeth with healthy root development
The Pulpotomy Procedure
Before the Procedure Begins
Our pediatric dentists thoroughly examine your child’s mouth, taking digital X-rays to assess the extent of tooth decay and determine if pulpotomy is the best treatment option. If your child is anxious, we offer safe sedation dentistry to ensure your child experiences maximum comfort throughout the dental procedure.
Step-by-Step Pulpotomy Process
- Local Anesthetic Administration: We gently numb the area around the affected tooth to ensure your child feels no discomfort during treatment.
- Tooth Isolation: A rubber dam isolates the primary tooth, keeping it dry and free from bacteria and saliva contamination.
- Accessing the Pulp Chamber: Using precise dental instruments, we carefully remove the infected coronal pulp while preserving healthy pulp in the tooth’s roots.
- Special Medication Application: We apply mineral trioxide aggregate or other biocompatible materials to promote healing and prevent further infection. Some cases may use ferric sulfate or zinc oxide eugenol, depending on the specific needs.
- Stainless Steel Crown Placement: A durable stainless steel crown protects the treated tooth and provides structural support, ensuring the tooth remains functional until adult teeth emerge.
- Final Assessment: We remove the rubber dam and provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing.
The entire procedure typically takes 45-60 minutes, depending on your child’s cooperation and the complexity of the case.
Benefits of Choosing Pulpotomy in San Jose
- Preserve Natural Teeth: Maintains primary teeth until permanent teeth naturally emerge, supporting proper oral development.
- Pain Relief: Eliminates discomfort caused by infected pulp and inflammation.
- Prevent Complications: Stops the spread of infection to other teeth and surrounding tissues.
- Cost-Effective Solution: More affordable than tooth extraction followed by space maintenance.
- Maintain Function: Allows continued proper chewing, speaking, and facial development.
- Space Maintenance: Prevents other teeth from shifting into empty spaces.
Post-Pulpotomy Care: Ensuring Successful Healing
Immediate Aftercare (First 24-48 Hours)
- Pain Management: Administer age-appropriate pain relievers as instructed. If swelling occurs, apply a cold compress for 10 to 15 minutes. Please contact our office if severe pain continues.
- Eating Guidelines: Avoid hot, hard, or crunchy foods until numbness wears off. Offer soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. Encourage your child to stop eating if they experience any discomfort.
Ongoing Oral Hygiene
- Daily Care Routine: Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Floss gently around the treated tooth. Rinse with warm salt water if advised by your dentist. Follow-Up Appointments: Regular checkups help ensure proper healing of the treated tooth and the stability of the stainless steel crown.
Potential Risks and When to Contact Your San Jose Dentist
While pulpotomy is successfully performed with high success rates, parents should watch for:
Signs Requiring Immediate Attention:
- Severe, persistent pain lasting more than 3 days
- Significant swelling or pus discharge
- Fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
- Crown loosening or falling out
- Signs of allergic reaction to medication
Rare Complications:
- Infection despite treatment
- Procedure failure requiring root canal treatment
- Tooth discoloration from special medication
- Sensitivity that doesn’t improve
Contact Silicon Valley Smile Solutions immediately at (408) 377-5134 if you notice any concerning symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, pulpotomy differs from traditional root canal therapy. A “baby root canal” (pulpotomy) removes only infected pulp from the crown while preserving healthy pulp in the roots. Complete root canal treatment removes all pulp tissue and is typically reserved for permanent teeth or severely infected cases.
Most pulpotomy procedures take 45-60 minutes, though this varies based on the child’s cooperation and the extent of tooth decay. We prioritize your child’s comfort and take necessary breaks during treatment.
Yes, a stainless steel crown is essential after pulpotomy to protect the weakened tooth structure and prevent future decay. The crown ensures the treated tooth functions normally until permanent teeth emerge.
Pulpotomy costs vary depending on the complexity and whether sedation dentistry is needed. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer payment options. Contact us for a personalized treatment estimate.
Schedule Your Child’s Pulpotomy Consultation in San Jose
Don’t let untreated tooth decay compromise your child’s oral health and development. Early intervention with pulpotomy can save primary teeth and prevent more extensive treatment later.
Ready to restore your child’s healthy smile? Contact Silicon Valley Smile Solutions today at (408) 377-5134 to schedule your consultation. Our dentist near you serves San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, and Santa Clara families.