Pulpotomy is an endodontic treatment that is most often used on primary (baby) teeth. When decay or injury reaches the dental pulp, which is the innermost layer of the tooth, patients often experience tooth pain and sensitivity. If not treated, the tooth will likely abscess and eventually require extraction. In order to prevent this, our pediatric dentists may recommend pulpotomy.

During pulpotomy, we remove the decay inside the pulp chamber. The area is sterilized, but unlike a regular root canal treatment, the tooth nerves are not removed or treated. In some cases, not all of the dental pulp is removed, thus maintaining the vitality of the remaining healthy pulp. For these situations, we often use a therapeutic dressing to maintain the healthy pulp. After the decayed pulp is removed and the tooth is cleaned, a dental crown is often required. We most often recommend stainless steel crowns for children.

While pulpotomy is rarely recommended for permanent (adult) teeth, this treatment may be suggested if decay has reached the pulp but much of the pulp is still healthy. If the roots of the tooth have not finished forming, a partial pulpotomy can give the tooth a chance to finish forming.