Pulpotomy
Is your child suffering from severe toothache accompanied by sensitivity toward hot and cold foods? Are you looking for one of the best pediatric dentists to address your kid’s dental issues? Dr. Kim at Highline Dental Practices has a team of expert pediatric dentists who are well-versed in handling kids’ dental issues and assure the best results that can accomplish with the latest technological and dental advancements.
What Is Pulpotomy?
When the primary or permanent tooth is completely decayed or severely cracked, the dental treatment used to resolve this use is Pulpotomy. The decay and cracking of the tooth will be due to severe cavities and tooth infection in the tooth’s pulp. The infected pulp must be removed to prevent the infection from spreading further.
The cavities and the infections lead to a condition called pulpitis that includes severe pain, inflammation in the pulp, chewing issues, and sensitivity towards hot or cold.
This procedure I mostly used in children since the primary tooth pulp is easily infected since the root formations in the primary tooth is not enough matured and strong. It is done on permanent teeth, but it will be accompanied by root canal treatment to increase success rates.
When Is Pulpotomy Needed?
Under the following circumstances, Dr. Kim may suggest Pulpotomy:
- When the tooth is cracked
- Pain in a severely decayed tooth
- The pulp is exposed even after the dental filling
- Damages to the pulp exposed tooth
- Failure of restorations, even with composite resin
- Severe inflammation in the pulp area
Who Can Undergo Pulpotomy?
A person’s health matters a lot to perform the pulpotomy procedure to ensure there are no bacterial infections to deal with post-procedure. If the patient has chronic health issues, they may not be the ideal candidate for this procedure. If only the pulp is affected, then the pulpotomy procedure is effective, but if the surrounding tissues and bone is also affected, then Pulpectomy has to be performed.
Is Pulpotomy Painful?
The pulpotomy procedure is not painful. There can be discomfort and pain only if the tooth sensitivity is severe. To reduce the discomfort, dentists provide antibiotics.
Dental X-rays: dental x-rays are taken by the dental team to know the depth of the infection and ensure that there is no tissue and bone loss with the infection.
Inducing Anesthesia: The procedure begins with inducing local anesthesia to ease the patient’s discomfort.
Device to Isolate: A rubber device isolates the infected tooth area from blood and saliva.
Removal of Infected Pulp: The decayed tooth area is removed, and once the infected pulp is visible, it is removed from the affected area.
Seal the Tooth: Once the infected pulp is removed, the tooth is sealed back with the help of MTA (Mineral Trioxide Aggregate) or Calcium Hydroxide. These are biocompatible materials that are used in most endodontic treatments.
Tooth Restoration: If the tooth is weakened due to the pulp infection, it may be prone to injuries and fractures. A dental crown will be placed on it to protect it overall.
Post Procedure Care for Pulpotomy
- Since the anesthesia will be induced in the patient during the procedure, on completion of it, the patient will be monitored for n hour post-procedure.
- There can be mild bleeding for a few hours post-procedure, but it will subside.
- Do not consume any solid or liquid foods until the numbness is gone.
- Until the healing procedure is complete in the surgical area, do not chew the food in that area.
- Stick to soft foods like scrambled eggs, soup, and mashed potatoes until the healing is completed.
- Once the anesthesia effects wear off, you may feel slight pain and discomfort. Take the medications suggested by the dentist to ease the discomfort.
- There can be mild swelling after the procedure. It will subside in just a few days. Contact your dental practitioner if the swelling or pain is excessive for days and weeks post-procedure.
Pulpotomy Vs. Pulpectomy
Pulpotomy and Pulpectomy are endodontic procedures that focus on saving the tooth, enabling its continuous functions, and maintaining its aesthetic appearance.
Though both serve the same purposes, the two treatments have a few differences.
Pulp Removal: The Pulpotomy removes the infected pulp’s top portion from the tooth area.
The Pulpectomy removes the infected pulp from the tooth’s roots and the pulp chamber.
Affected Tooth: In Pulpotomy, the infected pulp is removed from the still active tooth, whereas the Pulpectomy is performed on the tooth that is completely decayed and dead.
Pulpotomy is a procedure mostly done for kids, and it is natural for you to worry about your kid’s anxiety and fears about dental procedures. Dr . Kim at Highline Dental Practices ensures that this procedure does not involve any risks, and your child will be happier and painless when the procedure is completed.
Schedule an appointment with us for any of your dental queries, and we will be happy to address your concerns.
FAQ
1. What Is the Difference Between Pulpotomy and Pulpectomy?
When a tooth has a pulpotomy, just the diseased pulp of that tooth is removed; in contrast, a pulpectomy removes all of the infected pulp and fills the empty root area with dental cement.
2. Will There Be Nerve Removal in Pulpotomy?
A pulpotomy removes the infected portion of the nerve. The remaining healthy nerves are kept in their present state to allow for future development.
3. How to Control Bleeding After the Pulpotomy?
To stop the bleeding, apply gentle pressure and a cotton pellet covered in saline water to the exposed pulp region.
4. Is the Pulpotomy Procedure Always Successful?
Yes, the pulpotomy success rates are consistently between 90% and 95%.
5. Is Pulpotomy the Same as a Root Canal?
No, a pulpotomy is not the same as a root canal. Just the topmost pulp beneath the tooth is removed during a pulpotomy. Nevertheless, the invasion is considerably more severe in the root canal, and before the tooth root is sealed, the whole tooth pulp must be removed.