Pulpectomy Dentistry

Pulpectomy Dentistry

Pulpectomy is a procedure to remove all the pulp from the crown and roots of a tooth. Pulp is the soft inner material that contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves.

Pulpectomy for children

Pulpectomy is usually performed in children to save a severely infected baby (primary) tooth and is sometimes called a “baby root canal.” In permanent teeth, pulpectomy is the first part of the root canal procedure.

Pulpectomy vs. Root Canal

A pulpectomy is complete removal of pulp from the crown and roots. The tooth is then filled with material that can be reabsorbed by the body. It’s usually performed on baby teeth.

A root canal starts with a pulpectomy, but the tooth gets a permanent filling or crown. It’s usually performed on permanent teeth.

Pulpectomy can be performed in one visit with these basic steps:

  1. X-rays are taken to look for signs of infection in surrounding areas and to get a look at the shape of the root canals.
  2. A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area.
  3. A hole is drilled into the tooth.
  4. Small dental instruments are used to remove all the pulp.
  5. The tooth is cleaned, disinfected, and prepared for filling.
  6. The tooth is filled with resorbable material.

In a pulpectomy, which is typically performed on a baby tooth, the cavity is cleaned, prepared, and filled with a substance that will eventually be reabsorbed into the body. The tooth is then capped with a filling. When a root canal is performed on an adult tooth, it is instead capped with a temporary dressing on the first visit and then permanently filled with cement and capped with a crown on a second visit.

When is a pulpectomy needed?

Pulpectomy is used to save a baby tooth that has been severely damaged by decay or trauma. While baby teeth may not seem important enough for a dental procedure like this, there are valid reasons for pulpectomy.

The baby tooth is reserving a space for the permanent tooth. Premature loss of a baby tooth can cause problems like:

  1. difficulty chewing
  2. speech development issues
  3. having adjoining teeth move into the space, affecting the alignment of permanent teeth (this can lead to crooked, overcrowded teeth that are difficult to clean)

Can a pulpectomy be avoided?

Pulpectomy is performed when tooth enamel is damaged by decay. You may be able to prevent decay by practicing good oral care:

  1. Brush your teeth (or your child’s teeth) at least twice a day.
  2. Drink water with meals to wash away sugar and acids.
  3. Replace sugary drinks with water or milk.
  4. Have regular exams. Catching decay early may mean the difference between a standard filling and a pulpectomy.

Trauma to a tooth can also lead to decay. You can help lower the risk of injury during athletic activities by wearing a mouth guard. Be sure to visit the dentist following an injury to the mouth.

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