Nerve Treatment in Quincy, MA | Sprout Kids Dentistry Quincy, MA | Sprout

Nerve Treatment (Pulpotomy)

A pulpotomy may be needed when the nerve or pulp tissue of a baby tooth is affected by a large cavity. Pulpotomies are sometimes performed after your child complains of a toothache that isn’t caused by injury. A pulpotomy is recommended to prevent a dental abscess or loss of the tooth.

The process includes removing the unhealthy part of the nerve inside the tooth, while retaining the healthy part of the tooth. After pulpotomy, a crown is placed over the baby tooth until the adult tooth has matured and is ready to emerge.

What is a Pulpotomy?

A pulpotomy is similar to a root canal in adults, except it’s performed on baby teeth. They are necessary when a baby tooth has become infected due to tooth decay (a cavity), and the infection has reached the nerve endings in the tooth pulp.

To prevent further decay and tooth loss, a pulpotomy removes the infected part of the tooth while preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible. Then, a special medication is applied to help protect the remaining baby tooth tissue from further infection. Finally, a crown is capped over the remaining tooth to support the surrounding teeth as well as help the adult tooth emerge correctly.

What to Expect at A Pulpotomy Procedure

Children can sometimes get a little anxious when undergoing a pulpotomy dental procedure. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is commonly used to help relax your child and make the procedure safer and easier.

Once your child is relaxed, Dr. Anderson will apply numbing medication to the mouth to ensure comfort and safety during the procedure. She then will make an opening in the top of the affected tooth to access the pulp chamber. Then, the infected nerve tissue will be removed, and a medicated filling will be added to help seal the tooth and prevent bacteria from entering. A crown will also be placed over the tooth to ensure optimal tooth protection.

Once the procedure is complete, it is important that your child maintains a regular oral hygiene routine to ensure a healthy, pain-free mouth.

Pediatric Pulpotomy in Quincy, MA

If you have any questions or concerns regarding nerve treatment in Quincy, MA, contact our office today by calling or filling out our online contact form!

Dr. Michelle Anderson is a pediatric dentist board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

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