Pulpotomy (Baby Root Canal)

A pulpotomy, often referred to as a “baby root canal,” is a common dental procedure performed on baby teeth (primary teeth) to treat significant decay that has reached the pulp, which is the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels.

Typically during a pulpotomy, the pediatric dentist removes the diseased pulp tissue within the crown portion of the tooth. After the removal, a medicated filling is usually placed in the tooth to prevent bacterial growth and to calm the remaining nerve tissue. Then, the tooth is restored with a dental crown to protect the tooth structure and provide strength for chewing.

This procedure can help relieve pain and swelling, and it allows the child to keep their tooth until it naturally falls out. This is important because primary teeth play a crucial role in maintaining the space for permanent teeth and supporting the development of a child’s jaw and facial muscles.

Please note that while this procedure is commonly referred to as a “baby root canal,” it’s not as extensive as a traditional adult root canal where all the pulp tissue down to the root of the tooth is removed. In a pulpotomy, only the pulp tissue in the crown of the tooth is removed.