{"id":5639,"date":"2021-11-27T11:57:11","date_gmt":"2021-11-27T16:57:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carolinacompletedental.com\/?p=5639"},"modified":"2025-05-05T18:08:31","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T18:08:31","slug":"whats-a-pulpotomy-pain-relief-for-tiny-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carolinacompletedental.com\/blog\/whats-a-pulpotomy-pain-relief-for-tiny-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s a Pulpotomy? Pain Relief for Tiny Teeth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The pulp is found in the center of each tooth and consists of tissue, nerves, and blood vessels, which work together to provide oxygen and nutrients that keep them healthy and strong. If one or more teeth suffer a traumatic injury or decay, the pulp can become inflamed or infected. When this happens in a child\u2019s primary or baby tooth, your dentists Dr. Barganier, Dr. Zuffi, Dr. Williams, and Dr. McAdams may recommend a <\/span>pulpotomy<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

A pulpotomy–also referred to as pulp therapy or a \u201cbaby root canal\u201d–is performed to prevent further infection and early tooth loss. The procedure entails applying a topical anesthetic to numb the area before creating a small opening in the tooth, removing the infected, inflamed pulp, then sealing the chamber with a medicated filling that will prevent bacteria growth and allow a crown<\/a> (stainless steel, porcelain, or white zirconia are the most common materials to choose from) to be fitted in place to restore the tooth.  <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Save a Baby Tooth?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When infection strikes a tooth in your little one\u2019s mouth, you might think: \u201cIt\u2019s a baby tooth, why not just remove it or let it fall out?\u201d We wish we could tell you it\u2019s that simple, but baby teeth have an important job. Losing them before they\u2019re due to exit can cause permanent teeth to shift and erupt out of proper alignment, not to mention the increased difficulty for them to chew and speak naturally.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protecting and restoring your child\u2019s baby teeth can save their oral health and self-confidence. While pulpotomies may sound serious and scary, often they\u2019re a source of relief because the inflammation and infection inside the pulp are incredibly painful. Acting fast can prevent increasing pain and the need for a pulpectomy, which is a removal of the diseased pulp from both the crown and the root. It can also make the difference between whether the tooth becomes abscessed\u2014if the infection reaches this level, the tooth needs to be saved or face extraction.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Watch For<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You should contact Carolina Complete Dental as soon as possible if your child experiences any of the following symptoms:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n