Root Canals on Baby Teeth (Pulpotomy)

If a baby tooth has decay that has entered the nerve, or pulp, of the tooth, or if the tooth has suffered trauma, it may cause hot and cold sensitivity or constant pain. A root canal might be recommended to preserve the tooth until it is ready to come out on its own and be replaced by its permanent counterpart.

Saving a baby tooth instead of extracting it can help prevent issues with self-confidence, chewing, speech development, and bite alignment.

If your child has a broken tooth with exposed pulp, complains of hot/cold sensitivity or pain in a tooth, suffers trauma to the mouth, or if you notice a sudden change in your child’s eating habits, call Magical Smiles Pediatric Dentistry as soon as possible.

The Procedure

Just like a root canal on an adult tooth, the doctor will remove the diseased pulp tissue from the tooth, disinfect the area, and fill the pulp with medicament.
Root canals on most baby teeth  involve a pulpotomy. With this type of treatment, only the infected pulp chamber inside the crown of your child’s tooth is removed. In most cases, we do not need to remove the pulp in the roots of the tooth. A medicament is placed over the remaining pulp to protect it. In general, a pulpotomy is a quicker, easier procedure that involves a lot less discomfort for your child.

After the pulpotomy, a small crown or other restoration will placed on the tooth to help support the remaining tooth structure until it is ready to fall out on its own.

There may be some slight post-procedure sensitivity, but since the nerve is removed, there shouldn’t be any pain. Make sure to maintain a regular home care schedule.