When your child begins to complain about a sore or painful tooth, you should contact their pediatric dentist right away. They will advise you based on your child’s symptoms whether or not they need a pulpotomy (also known as a baby root canal).
Pulpotomy is a procedure that saves the infected or badly decayed primary teeth in children. The soft tissue inside of the tooth called the pulp contains nerves and blood vessels. It can become infected or damaged when tooth decay reaches the pulp, from a sports or automobile accident injury to a severe cavity.
The pediatric dentist will first numb your child’s tooth to make the treatment as painless as possible. They will then create an opening in the top of your child’s tooth to access the pulp, remove the diseased pulp and disinfect the area. They will also medicate the pulp chamber to help it heal. A temporary crown will be placed to protect the tooth.
Mild swelling is normal after a pulpotomy. If you notice new swelling, redness or pain in the days, weeks or months following the procedure, contact your pediatric dentist. It could mean that the tooth is infected again and needs further treatment.