Reviewed by Dr Kathryn Stanley
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Reading Time: Four Minutes
Toothaches in children are not always simple cavities that can be fixed with a quick filling. Sometimes, the problem runs deeper, affecting the dental pulp, the very center of the tooth where nerves and blood vessels keep it alive.
This is when pulp therapy, also known as a pulpotomy or baby root canal, becomes necessary. Pulp therapy preserves the healthy part of the pulp, treats the damaged area, and helps stop pain while preventing infection. It can also save a baby tooth that might otherwise be lost.
This blog explains what pulp therapy is, why it may be needed for a child’s tooth, and how the procedure is performed.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Pulp therapy can relieve pain, stop infection, and save a damaged baby tooth, helping protect your child’s oral health until the tooth naturally falls out.
What Is Pulp Therapy?
Inside every tooth is a soft center called the pulp, the live part of the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. This living tissue keeps the tooth healthy, nourished, and responsive to sensations like pressure and temperature.
When tooth decay, trauma, or infection damages the pulp, it can cause discomfort and, if left untreated, lead to the loss of the tooth. Pulp therapy in pediatric dentistry aims to keep as much healthy pulp as possible while removing the damaged portion to prevent infection from spreading.
Why Would a Child Need It?
Children might need pulp therapy for several reasons, including:
- Deep cavities: Tooth decay that extends through the enamel and dentin into the pulp.
- Trauma or injury: A blow to the mouth that damages the inside of the tooth.
- Infection: Untreated decay or cracks that allow bacteria to reach the pulp.
Unlike small cavities that can be handled with fillings, pulp damage requires more advanced dental care to protect the tooth from further breakdown.
Signs Your Child Might Need Pulp Therapy
Parents should watch for symptoms such as:
- Tooth pain: Not just sensitivity, but lingering or throbbing pain.
- Swelling around a tooth: Puffy gums or redness near the affected area.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold: Discomfort that does not go away quickly.
How the Pulpotomy Procedure Works
A pulpotomy is designed to remove only the damaged portion of the pulp while keeping the healthy root pulp intact. When performed at Stanley Pediatric Dentistry, the process typically involves:
- Assessment and Preparation: We start with an exam and digital X-rays to check the tooth’s condition. If pulp therapy is the best option, we review the procedure with you and answer any questions.
- Numbing and preparation: The tooth is numbed using traditional methods or our NuSmile Soan Cordless Electronic Injection Pen, which delivers anesthesia slowly for a more comfortable experience. When needed, sedation such as nitrous oxide or IV sedation can help your child stay relaxed.
- Treatment and restoration: The decayed portion of the tooth is removed to reach the pulp chamber. Inflamed or infected pulp is carefully taken out, and a medicated material is placed to promote healing. Finally, the tooth is sealed with a dental crown—to protect it until it naturally falls out.
This process allows the tooth to remain in place, supporting normal chewing and guiding permanent teeth into proper alignment.
Why Timely Care Matters
Treating pulp problems promptly helps avoid pain, prevents infection from spreading, and protects the spacing for adult teeth. Delaying treatment can lead to early loss of baby teeth, which may cause crowding or misalignment of permanent teeth later.
Schedule a Pediatric Dental Visit in Overland Park
If your child needs pulp therapy, our goal is to make the experience as comfortable as possible. We take the time to explain each step, address your questions, and use gentle, effective techniques to protect your child’s oral health and keep their smile healthy.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Overland Park, KS, call (913) 345-0331 or visit us at 8575 W 110th St Suite 310, Overland Park, KS.
FAQs
Is pulp therapy the same as a root canal?
Pulp therapy is similar to a root canal but less extensive. A pulpotomy removes only the damaged portion of the pulp in the crown, leaving the roots intact. This approach is less invasive and ideal for saving baby teeth.
Will my child feel pain during a pulpotomy procedure?
The tooth and surrounding area are numbed completely with local anesthesia, and sedation may be used if needed. After treatment, there may be mild tenderness, but most children return to normal activities quickly.
Can a baby tooth survive without pulp therapy?
If the dental pulp is damaged or infected, the tooth will eventually break down or require extraction. Pulp therapy preserves the tooth until it naturally falls out, protecting oral function and alignment.
Is there a pediatric dentist near me who performs pulp therapy?
At Stanley Pediatric Dentistry in Overland Park, we provide gentle, effective pulp therapy for primary teeth in a welcoming environment. Our experienced team performs pulpotomy procedures to help preserve your child’s smile and protect their oral health.
