Pulpotomy (Baby Tooth Root Canal)

By definition a pulpotomy is the removal of an inflamed pulp chamber due to the invasion of bacteria or decay. How does a pulp chamber develop inflammation? When a cavity gets extremely deep, it can get too close to the pulp of the tooth causing irritation and swelling. In primary (baby) molars, the purpose of a pulpotomy is to try and save and restore the tooth.

Procedure: A topical anesthetic is placed on the gum tissue where the lidocaine will be injected. Afterwards, the decay is removed from the tooth and the pulpotomy is performed. A medicated filling material is placed in the nerve chamber, this helps keep the nerve tissue in the root canals intact. After the pulpotomy is complete the tooth needs to be restored. Most often this is done with a crown.

The success of the procedure depends on the extent of the decay. If the tooth should become abscessed an extraction will be needed.