Has your child been complaining about constant pain in one of their baby teeth? There’s a good chance that they could be suffering from an infection, and unless quick action is taken, the tooth could be lost prematurely. Fortunately, infected baby teeth can often be saved with a pulpotomy or a pulpectomy. Here’s a closer look at these procedures and why having one performed could be essential for protecting your child’s smile.
What are Pulpotomies and Pulpectomies?
Pulpotomies and pulpectomies can essentially be thought of as root canal treatments for baby teeth. They both involve removing the pulp, which is the innermost layer of the tooth that consists of nerves, blood vessels, and tissues. Sometimes the pulp can become infected due to an untreated cavity; this can result in serious discomfort, and it can put the affected tooth at risk. Infected pulp won’t get better on its own, so the only solution is to have it removed.
The main difference between a pulpotomy and a pulpectomy is the amount of pulp being removed. With a pulpotomy, only the damaged or infected part of the pulp located in the crown of the tooth is taken out. Meanwhile, a pulpectomy is the removal of the entire pulp, including the portion in the roots. The extent of the infection will determine whether a pulpotomy or a pulpectomy is required in your child’s case.
Why Should Your Child Have a Pulpotomy or Pulpectomy Performed?
Baby teeth are meant to eventually fall out on their own. As such, you may be wondering why it’s worth saving an infected baby tooth with a pulpotomy or a pulpectomy; if it isn’t meant to last anyway, wouldn’t it be easier to simply extract it? However, what you may not realize is that losing a baby tooth too early could cause serious problems for your little one’s smile.
The main purpose of the baby teeth is to save space for the permanent teeth and ensure that they come in properly. Thus, if a baby tooth comes out too early, it could lead to alignment issues later on. On top of that, losing baby teeth prematurely could negatively affect your child’s ability to chew and speak.
In short, it’s best for your child to keep their baby teeth until they’re ready to fall out naturally. Thus, if one of these teeth becomes infected, the best way to stop your child’s pain and protect their oral health is to have a pulpotomy or a pulpectomy performed as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatric dentist to get your little one the care they need.
About the Author
Dr. Linda Steele has over three decades of dental experience. She completed her pediatric residency at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, and she holds membership with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and other organizations. As a pediatric dentist, she offers gentle pulpotomies to save infected baby teeth. If your child needs treatment for a toothache, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Steele at her practice in Coppell by visiting her website or calling (972) 315-3355.