Repair Infected Baby Teeth

Baby Root Canals (Pulpotomies)

If your child has an infected baby tooth, they may need a baby root canal (pulpotomy). This process is the best way to save their tooth and preserve it until it falls out naturally and is replaced by an adult tooth later in your child’s life.
Contact SmileKids! Pediatric Dentistry now to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ortiz and get your child the help they need, or learn
more about this process below.

Are Pulpotomies The Same As Root Canals?

No. A pulpotomy is distinct from a root canal for one main reason. While the procedure is similar, a root canal involves a “pulpectomy,” which removes all of the nerve and blood vessel-filled pulp from a tooth to eliminate the source of the infection.

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A pulpotomy is less invasive than a root canal. In this procedure, Dr. Nadgie will remove only the decayed and damaged pulp from the inside of your child’s tooth. Then, she will apply a special healing dressing to the remaining pulp that will
preserve and protect it, and keep your child’s baby tooth healthy and alive.

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Because this treatment keeps the tooth vital (alive), it helps encourage the proper eruption of your child’s adult teeth. Because of this, pulpotomies are always recommended for infected baby teeth.

Recognizing The Signs

Does My Child Need A Pulpotomy?

Your child will need a pulpotomy if they have an infected baby tooth. Often, this happens because of a slip and fall or another accident that results in a cracked or broken baby tooth. Dental trauma can damage the exterior of the tooth and expose
the pulp, resulting in an infection.

A tooth infection may also occur if a serious, untreated cavity destroys the outer layers of your child’s tooth, exposing the pulp.

The most common sign that your child needs a pulpotomy is a prolonged, painful toothache. If their tooth hurts and the pain won’t go away, this could indicate an infection. You may also notice discoloration in the tooth or the surrounding
gum tissue, or swelling and inflammation in the nearby gums.

If you recognize any of these signs, get in touch with SmileKids! Pediatric Dentistry right away to get a consultation with Dr. Nadgie, and make sure your little one gets the treatment they need in
Stone Ridge or Aldie.

How DoesA Baby Root Canal Work?

First, your child’s tooth will be cleaned and numbed. Then, the treatment area will be numbed by Dr. Nadgie to ensure your child’s comfort. Sedation is also available, if necessary.

Then, Dr. Nadgie will use a dental drill to clean up the tooth and make a small opening in its surface. She will use special tools to remove any decayed and damaged pulp from this opening, then she will disinfect it and apply a special dressing
that will preserve and protect the remaining pulp. After this, the tooth will be filled or covered with a crown to protect it from future damage, and your little one will be done with their treatment!