Pulpectomy & Pulpotomy
 When most people think of a root canal, they might picture an adult in the dentist’s chair. Although baby teeth are not treated with a root canal like an adult would have, there are times when the pulp tissue inside the tooth needs to be treated. At Gallatin Valley Pediatric Dentistry, we offer pulpectomies and pulpotomies to alleviate pain, improve oral health, protect adult teeth, and prevent future complications.The Difference Between a Pulpectomy & PulpotomyDeep within every tooth exists a substance known as pulp. Pulp contains the nerves, connective tissues, and blood vessels essential to the lives of both primary (baby) and permanent teeth. When the outer layer of a tooth is damaged, it can leave the pulp susceptible to infection. An infection in the pulp can result in severe pain and even threaten the life of a tooth. A pulpotomy or pulpectomy also known as a nerve treatment. is designed to remove the diseased pulp and halt the spread of infection. The only major difference between the two procedures is the amount of pulp we remove. During a pulpectomy, we remove all of the pulp tissue because it has either died or become infected. During a pulpotomy, we only need to remove a portion of the pulp to stymie the growth of harmful bacteria. Pulpotomies are usually reserved for primary teeth to prevent premature extraction. The Importance of Saving a Primary ToothProtecting a primary tooth with a pulpectomy or pulpotomy is more important than you may think. These procedures prevent the need for an extraction, which is better for your child’s long-term oral health. The premature loss of a primary tooth can cause eruption issues with the permanent teeth. When you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth may shift out of alignment to compensate for the open space. This can cause the permanent teeth to erupt in the wrong position, or become impacted (stuck below the gum tissue). While a pulpotomy or pulpectomy may not be necessary, it may be the best option for your child’s future smile Schedule an AppointmentIf you would like to learn more about restorative services, our team is happy to help. Call 406-224-4272 to schedule your child’s appointment today! |
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