What Is Pulpotomy?
The human teeth is a very sensitive organ. It is sensitive because it has a nerve fiber running right through it. A pulpotomy is a dental term that defines “nerve treatment.” It is a dental procedure that involves removal of the pulp in the crown, leaving behind the pup in the root canal. A pulpotomy is mostly done on primary teeth (in kids) and is used in the treatment of tooth decay that has extended into the pulp.
Purpose Of Test
If your child feels some pain when he or she eats sweet things, or when their teeth is exposed to cold or hot objects, then it may mean that he or she is affected by pulpitis. Pulpitis refers to inflammation of the pulp. Tooth decay (untreated caries) are the major cause of pulpitis. This extreme sensitivity is the first symptom of dental caries.
Your dentist at Parkland, Florida will recommend a pulpotomy for your child if it discovered that he or she has dental caries and that caries has affected the pulp. This can be determined by physical examination of the tooth or by digital X-ray at Mighty Children’s Dentistry, Parkland, Florida.
If the pulpitis is irreversible (severe damage to the pulp), then a pulpotomy will not be carried out. Instead, your child will undergo a tooth extraction or pulpectomy.
Your child may also undergo a pulpotomy if he sustains serious physical trauma. The purpose of a pulpotomy is to preserve the tooth and the pulp in the root.
You may ask, “why doesn’t the dentist at Parkland, Florida remove the affected tooth once-and-for-all, after all, it’s just a primary tooth?” Well, the primary tooth ensures proper arrangement of the permanent teeth. It also ensures that there will be enough space for the permanent teeth to grow.
Do not confuse a pulpotomy with a pulpectomy. A pulpectomy is performed when the tooth decay has extended into the radicular pulp (the pulp in the root).
Are There Any Risks Or Contraindications?
A pulpotomy is a safe procedure. It is not associated with any serious risks. Pulpotomies should only be performed if the root pulp is uninfected and healthy as at the time of the procedure.
A pulpotomy lasts between 30-45 minutes. It may last longer in some cases. The procedure is handled by the dentist.
We assure you of a safe Pulpotomy at Mighty Children’s Dentistry, Parkland, Florida.
What Happens During A Pulpotomy?
The dentist at Parkland, Florida will numb the affected area with a topical anesthetic. After that, he or she will inject a local anesthetic. The child may also be sedated. It all depends on the dentist.
The dentist will identify the affected tooth and remove any tooth decay to prevent the pulp from getting contaminated.
The enamel and dentin will be drilled, thus exposing the pulp chamber. There will be bleeding immediately the pulp roof is drilled through. This is an indication that the pulp is still in health. If the pulp chamber is empty or filled with pus, then the procedure will be discontinued. The dentist will then switch to a pulpectomy.
He or she will excavate the coronal pulp. Bleeding is then arrested with the use of wet cotton swabs. It shouldn’t take up to two minutes, or at most five for the bleeding to stop.
If the bleeding extends beyond this timeframe, then it is an indication that the pulp is unhealthy. This calls for a pulpectomy (tooth extraction).
Once the bleeding ceases, the radicular pulp will be treated. Special medications are used for this treatment (such as ferric sulfate, formocresol, or mineral trioxide aggregate.
Once this is done, the pulp chamber will be sealed with zinc oxide eugenol (or any base). A stainless steel dental crown is used to restore the tooth.
Adults also undergo pulpotomy. A similar procedure is followed in the case of adults.
After Pulpotomy
Your dentist at Parkland, Florida will instruct you (and your child) on how to care for the tooth. Tips offered may include the temperature of the foods that your child can eat and the kind of foods he or she should avoid (like sticky foods and candies) pending when the stainless steel dental crown will fall out by itself.
Make an Appointment Today! Our dental team headed by Dr. Aurelio A Bulawill give you the best pulpotomy in Parkland, Florida. At Mighty Children’s Dentistry, Florida, our goal is to put that smile you’ve always wanted on your face.
