Pulpectomy

A pulpectomy is a dental procedure that removes infected tooth pulp from a baby tooth. It’s sometimes called a baby root canal. Your child may need a pulpectomy if they have inflammation or infection in their tooth pulp. This can happen if they have a deep cavity or an injury like a cracked tooth. The procedure treats the cavity or injury. It also saves the baby tooth. A pediatric dentist or an endodontist may do this procedure.

How should I prepare for this procedure?

That depends on your child and their experience going to the dentist. For example, if your child had a cavity filled, they may not feel anxious about having a pulpectomy. But if this is your child’s first dental procedure, ask their dentist how you can help your child get ready.

What happens during a pulpectomy?

The first step is medication so that the procedure doesn’t cause pain. Dentists and endodontists typically inject numbing medication into your child’s gums. They may give your child a liquid sedative before they give them numbing medication. Next, your child’s dentist or endodontist will:

• Place a thin rubber sheet (dental dam) over the tooth to keep it dry
• Drill a small hole in the top of the tooth to get to the pulp
• Remove all infected tooth pulp
• Flush the root canals with liquid
• Fill the space with medicated material
• Seal the tooth with dental cement
• Place a temporary dental crown on the tooth

The procedure may take an hour to complete.

What are the potential benefits and risks of a pulpectomy?

A pulpectomy relieves pain and helps to keep your child’s baby tooth in place. Saving that tiny tooth means your child can chew their food instead of trying to swallow large bites. More importantly, keeping a baby tooth in place saves a spot open for your child’s permanent tooth.

A pulpectomy is a safe procedure with very little risk. But sometimes, the procedure doesn’t remove all the infected pulp. In that case, your child may need to have another pulpectomy.

What is the recovery time?

It may take an hour or so for numbing medication to wear off. But your child should feel fine by the next day and ready to get back to their routine. Their dentist or endodontist may recommend that you serve your child soft food for the next few days. You may need to remind your child not to bite down on the temporary crown.

When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?

Contact your child’s dentist or endodontist if they have:

• Severe pain that doesn’t go away with medication
• A swollen face or jaw
• Chills, fever or other infection symptoms