Pulpotomy of Primary and Young Permanent Teeth

Pulpotomy is a dental procedure used to save decayed, infected teeth. If you or your child has a severe cavity, plus infection in the tooth’s pulp (pulpitis), your dentist may recommend pulpotomy to you.This procedure is also recommended when repair of a deep cavity exposes the pulp underneath, leaving it vulnerable to bacterial infection.With pulpotomy, pulp is scooped out and removed from within the tooth’s crown. The crown of the tooth is the part surrounded by enamel that you see above the gum line.Pulp is the innermost part of the tooth. It’s comprised of:blood vessels connective tissue nerves. A deeply decayed tooth can cause inflammation, irritation, or infection to occur within a tooth’s pulp. This can threaten the life of the tooth, plus affect the gums, and surrounding areas of the mouth.If your tooth has a deep infection that extends into or near the root, a root canal may be recommended instead of pulpotomy. Root canal procedures remove all of a tooth’s pulp, plus the roots.Kids and adults Because pulpotomy leaves the roots of a tooth intact and able to grow, it’s used primarily in children with baby (primary) teeth, which have an immature root formation.