Protect Your Child’s Baby Teeth with Pulpotomy Treatment
Baby teeth play a vital role in your child’s dental development, and preserving them until they naturally fall out is important. If the dental pulp inside your child’s tooth becomes damaged or decayed, our pediatric dentist and team can perform a pulpotomy—also known as a baby tooth root canal—in Atlanta, Georgia. This treatment helps save the tooth and prevent the need for extraction.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jina Yoo at Happy Children Pediatric Dentistry, call us today at (770) 541-9131. We’re here to help protect your child’s smile!
Request an AppointmentWhat Is a Pulpotomy?
Pulpotomy is a common endodontic procedure primarily used on primary (baby) teeth. When decay or injury reaches the dental pulp—the innermost part of the tooth—it can cause pain and sensitivity. If left untreated, the tooth may develop an abscess and ultimately require extraction. To prevent this, our pediatric dentist may recommend a pulpotomy.
During the procedure, the decayed pulp tissue inside the pulp chamber is carefully removed and the area is thoroughly sterilized. Unlike a full root canal, the tooth’s nerves are generally preserved. In some cases, only the damaged portion of the pulp is removed, allowing the remaining healthy pulp to stay vital. To support this, we often apply a therapeutic dressing to protect the healthy tissue.
After cleaning the tooth, a dental crown is typically placed to restore strength and function. For children, we commonly recommend stainless steel crowns for their durability and effectiveness.
Although pulpotomy is rarely performed on permanent (adult) teeth, it may be suggested if the decay has reached the pulp but much of it remains healthy. In young permanent teeth where root development is incomplete, a partial pulpotomy can help the tooth continue to mature.
If you’d like to learn more about pulpotomy or any of the other quality dental services we offer, please contact our office today.