Pulpotomy and Pulpectomy are pediatric dental procedures used to treat tooth decay that has extended into the pulp (nerve tissue) of a child’s tooth. These treatments help preserve baby teeth until they naturally fall out, maintaining space for permanent teeth and preventing further dental issues.
If your child’s primary tooth has extensive decay, or has been damaged by trauma, action may be needed to restore the integrity of the tooth and prevent infection from spreading to surrounding teeth. After a set of X-rays are taken, your dentist will be able to assess the extent of the infection and recommend one of two options, a pulpotomy or a pulpectomy.
If the decay or trauma is confined to the crown of the tooth, a pulpotomy may be recommended. When a cavity gets really deep, close to the pulp of a tooth, or even into the pulp, the pulpal tissue becomes irritated and inflamed. A pulpotomy is when the inflamed pulp chamber, usually on a baby molar, is removed. The dentist will remove all the infected material in the pulp of the crown only, leaving the living tooth root intact. After a pulpotomy on a baby molar, the empty space will be filled with dental cement and a stainless steel crown will be placed to restore the tooth.
Pulpotomy is a partial pulp removal treatment, performed when the infection or damage is limited to the crown portion of the tooth. It helps retain the vitality of the remaining root pulp tissue.
Pulpectomy involves complete removal of the infected pulp from both the crown and root, typically done when the entire pulp is affected. It is similar to a root canal but tailored for primary teeth.
Your dentist examines the tooth and may take an X-ray to assess the extent of infection.
Local anesthesia is administered to keep your child comfortable and pain-free.
In pulpotomy, only the infected part of the crown pulp is removed. and In pulpectomy, the entire pulp from the crown and root canals is removed.
The pulp chamber is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
The space is filled with a child-friendly medicated filling material.
A stainless steel crown is usually placed to protect the tooth and restore its function.
No, the procedure is done under local anesthesia and is designed to be pain-free and comfortable for your child.
Preserving primary teeth is important for proper oral development, speech, and alignment of permanent teeth.
Yes, a crown protects the treated tooth and ensures long-term success of the procedure.
Typically, one session is sufficient, lasting about 30–45 minutes.
Side effects are rare when performed by a pediatric dentist. Good aftercare helps avoid any complications.
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