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At Marshfield Pediatric Dentistry, we understand the importance of keeping your little one's mouth healthy. That’s why when it comes to ensuring your child's oral well-being, we offer a comprehensive range of services, including pulpotomy. Our dedicated Marshfield pediatric dentist, Dr. Julie Hantson, has extensive experience in performing the procedure and will prioritize your child's comfort throughout the process, utilizing gentle techniques and creating a welcoming environment to put them at ease. Contact us to learn more about pulpotomy and how we can support your child's oral health journey.
WHAT IS A
PULPOTOMY?
A pulpotomy, also known as a pulpectomy, is a dental procedure commonly recommended for children with moderate to severe dental decay. It serves as a preventative treatment to address tooth decay and provide relief. To better understand why this procedure may be beneficial for your child, let's delve into the details.
Within a tooth, beneath its outer layer, called enamel and dentin, lies a vital part called the pulp. The pulp consists of blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerve endings. When cavities extend beyond the outer layers, the pulp becomes infected, leading to intense pain and discomfort.
A pulpotomy involves the removal of the infected portion of the tooth, offering immediate relief and halting the progression of decay. Unlike root canals, which involve removing all the pulp within the pulp cavity, pulpotomies specifically target and remove the infected portion, preserving the healthy pulp.
THE PULPOTOMY
TREATMENT PROCESS
Evaluation and Anesthesia Administration
On the day of the procedure, Dr. Julie will first examine your child’s teeth and gums to check their health. She’ll also take X-rays to determine the extent of the decay and ask you questions about your child’s medical history. She’ll then inject local anesthetic in the gums near the affected teeth to numb the area, ensuring a painless procedure.
Isolation and Tooth Access
Tooth isolation is necessary to disrupt saliva from flowing to the tooth and disrupting the process. Dr. Julie will use a dental dam or rubber pad to isolate the tooth. She’ll then use a drill to create an access hole on top of the affected tooth. This allows her to reach the core of the tooth containing the pulp.
Pulp Removal and Hemostasis
Dr. Julie will then use dental instruments to remove the infected pulp from the tooth’s core, leaving the tooth intact. She’ll then use medication to stop any bleeding. She’ll apply the material directly to the pulp and leave it there to prevent bleeding and promote healing.
Restoration and Follow-Up Care
Dr. Julie will then use dental filling to fill the access hole and restore the tooth’s original shape and structure. She'll then provide instructions and how to care for your teeth after treatment and prescribe pain medication for pain and discomfort after treatment. Dr. Julie may schedule follow-up visits to check the progress of your treatment.
WHY WOULD MY CHILD
NEED A PULPOTOMY?
A pulpotomy is necessary when your child has visible decay and complains frequently about tooth pain. Decay spreads from one tooth to another and prompt treatment is necessary to prevent this spread. Excessive decay could necessitate a premature extraction, increasing your child’s risk of crowded adult teeth.
DOES DENTAL INSURANCE
COVER PULPOTOMIES?
Policies vary from one insurer to the next, but most dental insurance providers cover pulpotomies mostly with limitations and exclusions. For instance, some insurers have a $1,500 cap on the amount you can spend on procedures annually. This may not be enough to pay for a pulpotomy, which may cost upwards of $2,000.
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