White Plains Baby Root Canals

If your child has a toothache, you might need to bring them to see our doctors for a baby root canal (pulpotomy). A toothache often indicates a cavity, so it’s important to see the team at Miles of Little Smiles right away, and ensure that your child gets the treatment they need to save their tooth and protect their oral health.  To learn more about pulpotomies contact us to schedule an appointment.

What Is A Pulpotomy?

Pulpotomies are often called “baby root canals” because they are very similar to root canal treatment, but they are only performed on baby teeth. 

Pulpotomies are needed when the cavity is very deep and is in close proximity to the nerve. In contrast to a traditional root canal, which requires the removal of all of the pulp from your child’s tooth, pulpotomies are intended to preserve the healthy pulp. This keeps the tooth healthy and strong until it falls out naturally and is replaced by an adult tooth.

Why Would My Child Need A Pulpotomy?

Pulpotomies are required when your child has a serious cavity that has caused their dental pulp to become infected. This can happen due to an oral injury that breaks the tooth. But more commonly, a pulpectomy is required when a large, untreated cavity spreads and reaches the “pulp” within your child’s tooth. 

The pulp consists of nerves and blood vessels, and is what keeps the tooth alive. If the pulp has become infected but this infection has not yet spread to the roots of the teeth, a pulpotomy is usually the best option for restoring your child’s smile and oral health. 

If your child does not get a pulpotomy in time, it’s possible that the infection could spread into the roots of the teeth. This treatment is more similar to a traditional root canal. It involves removing all of the remaining tooth pulp. Then, a biocompatible material will be placed into the tooth to support it, and keep it strong until it falls out naturally and is replaced by a permanent tooth. 

Understanding The Pulpotomy Treatment Process In White Plains

Dr. Mila or Dr. Dee will begin the treatment process at our White Plains office by cleaning and numbing your child’s mouth. Your child can also be sedated during treatment for their comfort. Then, she will use a dental drill to remove any damaged tooth material, and to create a small opening in the tooth.

Then, your dentist will use specialized dental tools to remove the infected pulp from inside the tooth. The area will be cleaned and sanitized, then she will apply a healing dressing to the inside of the tooth. Finally, the tooth will be restored with a filling or a crown to protect it as it heals, and ensure it is protected from further decay and damage.

Benefits of a Pulpotomy

It is a highly effective and successful procedure in alleviating the pain, inflammation, and infection in baby teeth while keeping the teeth intact. Pulpotomies are a great tool used to restore the health of your child’s tooth without extracting it. 

This procedure prevents infection or tooth decay from spreading to other teeth or penetrating deeper into the tooth. By preventing extraction, you successfully avoid all of the consequences that come with losing a tooth prematurely. 

To avoid the teeth from shifting and blocking the eruption of the permanent tooth, your child would need to wear a space maintainer until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. They would be left with a gap in their smile and a metal oral appliance placed in the gap.

What’s the Healing Process After a Pulpotomy?

We numb your child’s mouth for the procedure and it will take a few hours for the anesthetic to wear off. Make sure your child does not eat until the anesthetic has fully worn off so they don’t accidentally bite or burn themselves. 

Once their mouth is no longer numb, they may experience some pain or discomfort which can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory pain medication. They may also experience some bleeding for a few hours after the procedure. 

When your child can eat, they should stick to soft foods for the first few days and try to chew on the opposite of their mouth. It’s important to keep their mouth clean so brush and floss like normal but be careful around the tooth that received the pulpotomy.

How Can I Avoid The Need For a Pulpotomy For My Child?

A pulpotomy is a restorative procedure that is only necessary when your child has deep tooth decay. The best way to prevent the need for a pulpotomy is to prevent tooth decay by practicing good oral hygiene. 

Primary teeth are at a higher risk of developing cavities because their enamel is thinner. To reduce their risk of cavities, limit their consumption of sugar. They should brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and floss every night! And, of course, do not forget regular 6 months appointments with the dentist!

All of these will reduce the risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease and promote early detection of these issues so we can reverse them and save your child’s teeth.

Schedule An Appointment in White Plains Today!

Is your child displaying symptoms of a tooth infection? Contact us at Miles of Little Smiles today to schedule an appointment with our doctors.