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A pulpotomy is a dental procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp tissue from the crown of a tooth while keeping the healthy pulp in the roots. It helps save the natural tooth, stop decay from spreading, and relieve pain.
While pulpotomies are most common in children’s dentistry, they can also be a useful treatment for adults in certain cases.
By treating the tooth early, a pulpotomy can prevent the need for more complex procedures like extractions or full root canals.
A pulpotomy is a dental procedure that gets rid of inflamed or infected pulp tissue from the crown of a tooth while simultaneously preserving the healthy pulp in the root canals. This approach helps save the tooth and prevents the need for extraction.
Unlike a root canal, which removes all the pulp tissue from both the crown and the roots, a pulpotomy focuses only on the crown. Because of this, it’s often called a "partial root canal." This makes the procedure less invasive and quicker while still effectively addressing pain and decay.
We typically recommend pulpotomy when the pulp inside the crown of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, but the root pulp remains healthy. Early detection is crucial to prevent the condition from worsening.
Below are the key signs and situations where a pulpotomy may be necessary:
Tooth Sensitivity: Prolonged sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods can indicate pulp irritation or decay.
Persistent Toothache: Constant or throbbing pain is often a sign of pulp inflammation or infection.
Swelling or Redness: Swelling around the gums near the affected tooth, redness, or tenderness may signal an infection reaching the pulp.
Cavities or Visible Decay: Large cavities or visible damage on the tooth surface often reach the pulp, requiring intervention.
Extensive Decay: When a cavity has progressed into the tooth’s pulp, but the infection hasn’t yet reached the roots.
Trauma or Injury: A tooth that has been cracked or broken may expose the pulp, necessitating a pulpotomy to save the tooth.
Healthy Root Pulp: If diagnostic imaging (e.g., X-rays) shows the root pulp remains unaffected, a pulpotomy can treat the issue without needing a full root canal.
Children’s Teeth: Often performed on baby teeth to maintain their role as space holders for permanent teeth and avoid early extraction.
If you're experiencing any of these signs, it's important to seek dental care promptly.
Here’s what happens during a pulpotomy procedure:
We will start by inspecting the tooth and taking X-rays to specify the extent of the decay or damage. This helps confirm that the root pulp is healthy and that a pulpotomy is the right treatment.
We will apply local anesthesia to ensure the tooth and surrounding area are completely numb so you feel no discomfort during the procedure.
The decayed portion of your or your child’s tooth will be skillfully removed to access the affected pulp in the crown.
We will carefully remove the inflamed or infected pulp tissue from the crown while leaving the healthy pulp in the roots intact.
A medicated dressing, such as formocresol or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), will be placed in the pulp chamber. This helps reduce inflammation, promotes healing, and protects the remaining healthy pulp.
Finally, we will seal the tooth with a filling to restore its structure. In some cases, especially for added strength or durability, we may place a dental crown.
A pulpotomy offers several key advantages, making it an effective and patient-friendly treatment option.
One of the biggest benefits is that it allows us to save your natural tooth. By addressing the problem early, the structure of the tooth can be preserved, avoiding extraction. Keeping your natural teeth intact is always the priority, as it helps maintain proper chewing function and overall oral health.
This procedure is also highly effective at relieving pain. When the inflamed or infected pulp is removed, the discomfort caused by decay or injury is quickly alleviated.
Compared to a full root canal, a pulpotomy is often quicker and less invasive. It focuses only on the crown portion of the tooth, reducing the time needed for the procedure while still addressing the core issue.
After a pulpotomy, recovery is usually smooth, and most patients experience only mild discomfort.
You may notice some minor soreness or sensitivity in the treated tooth for a few days. This is completely normal and should subside as the tooth heals. Over-the-counter pain relievers are typically enough to manage any discomfort.
To ensure proper healing and protect the treated tooth, follow these aftercare guidelines:
If you experience any unusual pain or swelling, contact us right away so we can provide additional care.
While a pulpotomy is generally a safe and effective procedure, there are some rare but possible complications.
In some cases, the tooth may develop an infection after the procedure, leading to swelling or increased pain. Persistent discomfort could indicate that the remaining pulp tissue in the roots is not healing as expected.
In such situations, further treatment may be necessary, such as completing a full root canal to remove the remaining pulp or, in rare cases, extracting the tooth.
Early intervention is key to avoiding these complications. A pulpotomy can be highly successful in preserving the tooth and preventing the need for more invasive procedures.
If you experience any unusual symptoms after your treatment, it’s important to contact us for evaluation and care.
At Nova Dental, we combine expertise with compassionate care to ensure you get the best treatment possible. Our team is skilled in performing pulpotomies with precision and efficiency, using the latest techniques to maximize comfort and long-term success.
Dr. Talar Guldalian is dedicated to providing a welcoming and stress-free experience for every patient. She takes the time to understand your unique dental needs and ensures that you feel informed and confident about your treatment plan.
We also prioritize your comfort during every step of the procedure, using advanced tools and technologies to make the process as smooth and painless as possible. With our focus on preserving your natural teeth and protecting your long-term oral health, Nova Dental is here to provide care you can trust.
If you or your child needs a pulpotomy in Woburn, MA, choose us for compassionate, expert care in a comfortable environment.
Think you or your child might need a pulpotomy? Don’t wait—early treatment can save your tooth and prevent further issues. Contact Nova Dental online to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free smile! You can also call our office at (781) 369-5722.
No, a pulpotomy is not typically painful. We will use a local anesthetic to numb the area, ensuring you don’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. After the treatment, mild soreness or sensitivity may happen, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
A pulpotomy usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case and the tooth being treated. For a child, the procedure may be quicker, as baby teeth are smaller and less complex than permanent teeth.
Yes, adults can get pulpotomies, although the procedure is more commonly performed on children. In adults, a pulpotomy might be done in specific cases, such as to temporarily manage pain or infection before a more extensive treatment like a root canal. However, root canals are typically the preferred option for adult teeth.
In most cases, additional treatment may be necessary after a pulpotomy. For children, a crown is typically placed to protect the baby tooth until it naturally falls out. For adults or permanent teeth, the tooth may require a full root canal or crown in the future to ensure long-term stability and function.