Dental Fillings
Repair small cavities, chips and worn spots so your tooth feels smooth and works like it should.
About dental fillingsRestorative care
Pulpotomy for kids in Saratoga Springs
Hearing that your little one has a cavity deep enough to reach the nerve is hard. The good news is that a pulpotomy can often ease the hurt and keep the tooth.
What is a pulpotomy?
Now and then, decay on a little tooth tunnels all the way down to the pulp, its soft living center. A pulpotomy is the fix for that. Your child's dentist removes only the damaged part at the top, leaves the healthy part in the roots and seals the tooth. People sometimes call it a baby root canal.
- Mainly used for baby teeth, often the back molars
- Keeps the healthy part of the pulp in place
- Lets the tooth stay until the adult tooth is ready
Why saving a baby tooth matters
Baby teeth do more than help your child chew. They hold open the space where adult teeth will come in. They also help with speech and a comfortable bite. Baby molars usually hang on until the preteen years. Losing one years ahead of schedule lets the teeth around it creep over, which can leave the adult tooth short on room.
Your child might need a pulpotomy if you notice:
- A complaint of a toothache, especially at night
- Pain when chewing on one side
- A tooth that hurts with cold or sweets for a long time
- Puffy gums or a small bump near one tooth
- A tooth that looks grayer than the rest
An exam and x-rays tell us how far the cavity has traveled. When the damage reaches too deep, they may suggest other care, such as removing the tooth. They will explain the choices to you clearly and answer your questions.
What happens during your child's visit
- Getting comfortable. We explain each step to your child with kid-friendly words. You are welcome to ask how you can help them feel at ease.
- Numbing. The tooth and gum are numbed so your child feels pressure, not pain.
- Treating the tooth. Through a small opening, the inflamed top part of the pulp is taken out. The healthy pulp in the roots stays.
- Calming and sealing. A medicine is placed to help the remaining pulp heal, then the tooth is sealed.
- Covering the tooth. Most baby molars get a small crown to protect them from breaking until the tooth falls out on its own.
The visit is often fairly short. Your dentist will let you know how long to plan for.
Helping your child after a pulpotomy
Your child's cheek, lip and tongue may stay numb for a couple of hours. Watch that they do not chew or bite on them. Offer soft foods once the numbness wears off. Some mild soreness is normal for a day or two. Ask your dentist which children's pain reliever and dose are right for your child.
Keep brushing the treated tooth gently twice a day. Call us if pain gets worse, swelling appears or the crown comes loose.
Cost and insurance
Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.
FAQ
Questions about pulpotomy
Is this the same thing as a root canal?
They are cousins, but they differ. In a pulpotomy, only the upper portion of the nerve is cleared and the roots keep their healthy tissue. A root canal clears the nerve all the way down. Pulpotomies are mostly done on baby teeth.
Why not simply take the tooth out?
Sometimes pulling the tooth is the right call. But if a baby tooth can be saved, it keeps space for the adult tooth and helps your child chew. Your dentist will talk through both choices with you.
How can I help my child feel ready?
Keep it simple and calm. Tell them the dentist will fix a sore tooth and make it feel better. Skip words that might sound scary to a kid. A stuffed animal or comfort item from home is welcome.
Can I stay with my child during treatment?
Ask our team when you schedule. We are happy to talk through what works best for your child and your family.
Will insurance help pay for a pulpotomy?
Many dental plans help pay for this treatment for children. We will check your benefits before the visit. See our insurance page to learn more.
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Fluoride Treatment
A quick coating that helps harden enamel, for kids and for adults who get cavities easily.
About fluoride treatmentDental Sealants
A thin, clear coating on back teeth that helps keep food and germs out of deep grooves.
About dental sealantsDental Crowns
A custom cap that covers a weak or damaged tooth so you can chew with confidence again.
About dental crownsQuestions?
Call to book your visit
Our Saratoga Springs team will answer your questions and find a time that works for you.