Pulpectomy Fullerton, CA
A pulpectomy, or baby root canal, removes a tooth's infected roots and pulp (the internal tissue), blood vessels, and nerves. Children generally receive this treatment to save an infected or decayed milk tooth before a permanent one comes in. A pulpectomy is the first phase of a root canal, which adds a permanent crown or filling.
Learn more about pulpectomy at Saman Malkami DMD in Fullerton and the surrounding area. Call us at (714) 459-8002 to schedule an appointment.
The Procedure
A pulpectomy involves removing a tooth's pulp, which consists of the nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. After pulp removal, the tooth gets a filling that the body absorbs, followed by a temporary filling. The pulpectomy is the first phase of a root canal, which culminates in the attachment of a permanent crown.
An endodontist, a specialist who treats tooth pain and problems with the tooth pulp, typically performs a pulpectomy. Treatment generally includes the following steps over the span of one or multiple appointments:
- Taking an X-ray of the tooth and looking for signs of infection
- Giving the patient a local anesthetic that numbs the tooth and surrounding gums
- Drilling a hole at the top of the tooth
- Removing the pulp and then cleaning and disinfecting the tooth
- Inserting a rubber-like filling that slowly absorbs into the body
- Closing the hole at the top of the tooth with a temporary crown filling
“The pulpectomy is the first phase of a root canal, which culminates in the attachment of a permanent crown.”
Why It Is Done
If a baby tooth becomes infected or damaged, parents should not necessarily wait until it falls out to make way for the permanent tooth. Treating injury or infection early enough can save the tooth, and there are important reasons to do so. One is leaving adequate space for a permanent tooth to come in.
Losing a milk or baby tooth too soon can cause difficulty in chewing food. In addition, children who prematurely lose a baby tooth can suffer from a misalignment of permanent teeth that crowd into the remaining gap. Also, missing teeth can cause difficulties in talking and impede speech development.
“If a baby tooth becomes infected or damaged, parents should not necessarily wait until it falls out to make way for the permanent tooth.”
Preparation
If their child feels nervous before undergoing a pulpectomy, parents can ease their anxiety by normalizing the procedure. It is vital to reassure the child that many other children have a baby root canal, and they get medicine that keeps them from feeling any pain during surgery. Furthermore, if they already have a toothache, parents can point out that a pulpectomy will make the pain go away.
Endodontists can help prepare children for a pulpectomy and alleviate their fears. Young children who are too scared to sit still might need general anesthesia . Otherwise, nitrous oxide, also known as "laughing gas," can be effective at keeping children calm during the process.
“Endodontists can help prepare children for a pulpectomy and alleviate their fears.”
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Aftercare
A child will still feel the effects of the anesthesia for a while after the pulpectomy. Therefore, they need to avoid chewing or eating food to avoid unintentionally biting the inside of their mouths. In general, children need little time to recover from a pulpectomy, and they can get back to playing and other activities soon afterward.
Despite the routine nature of most pulpectomies, parents should watch for potential complications. For instance, if their child's pain gets worse or lasts for more than a few days, they should seek dental care. Complications include additional infection or inflammation, the inability to chew with the treated tooth, and temperature sensitivity.
“In general, children need little time to recover from a pulpectomy, and they can get back to playing and other activities soon afterward.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What happens during a pulpectomy?
Q. Why does a child get a pulpectomy?
Q. How can a parent prepare their child for a pulpectomy?
Q. What is the best way to recover from a pulpectomy?
Q. How can a person prevent having to get a pulpectomy?
People Also Ask
Q. What causes tooth pulp damage?
Q. When would a patient need a pulpectomy?
Q. How is damaged pulp treated?
Q. What is the difference between a dentist and an endodontist?
Pulpectomy Prevention
Good oral hygiene can prevent most forms of decay and other problems that require a pulpectomy. Parents can teach their children to adopt healthy habits like brushing twice daily and flossing each day. Children can also learn to limit sugary foods and beverages and regularly drink water to rinse their teeth of excess acids and sugars.
Trauma to the teeth can also lead to decay. Children who participate in sports can wear mouth guards for protection. They should also get dental check-ups and regular cleanings twice a year.
“Parents can teach their children to adopt positive habits like brushing twice daily and flossing each day.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is a pulpectomy painful?
A. A pulpectomy or baby root canal is a standard dental procedure that involves little to no pain. Patients receive local anesthesia before treatment to numb the tooth and surrounding gums. Also, patients can reduce post-procedure discomfort with antibiotics, rest, and pain medication.
Q. Why do patients get a pulpectomy instead of a root canal?
A. Children typically undergo pulpectomies for teeth that are affected by decay, infection, or injury. Endodontists generally perform pulpectomies on baby teeth, which eventually fall out. Therefore, they do not require the placement of a permanent crown or filling.
Q. What is an endodontist?
A. Endodontics specializes in dentistry that focuses on tooth pain and treating the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue inside the teeth. Endodontists receive at least two years of additional training beyond dental school. They typically perform pulpectomies, root canals, and other surgeries to treat pain and save teeth.
Q. Does a patient need medication to recover from a pulpectomy?
A. Patients might have some pain and discomfort after undergoing a pulpectomy. Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications can alleviate much of the soreness. An endodontist might also prescribe an antibiotic to ward off post-procedure infection.
Q. What are the risks of getting a pulpectomy?
A. A pulpectomy is a standard dental procedure that carries few risks. Patients and parents of children receiving the surgery should watch for complications, such as additional infections and pain, sensitivity to heat and cold, and swelling in the surrounding gums. People suffering from these complications should seek dental care as soon as possible.
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Definitions
Learn More about Pulpectomy
A pulpectomy or baby root canal is a standard procedure to save a decayed, infection, or injured tooth. Children typically undergo a pulpectomy, not a root canal, because the temporary tooth usually does not need a permanent crown. During aftercare, parents can help their children reduce pain and discomfort after the procedure.
Contact Saman Malkami DMD in Fullerton to learn more about whether your child needs a pulpectomy. Call us at 714-459-8002 to schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Evaluation of a one-appointment formocresol pulpectomy technique. 2024
- American Association of Endodontists. Management of Endodontic Emergencies: Pulpotomy Versus Pulpectomy. 2024
- BMC Oral Health. Survival analysis of pulpectomy. 2024
- Healthline. What you Need to Know About a Pulpectomy. 2024
- Medical News Bulletin. What is a pulpectomy? 2024
- New Mouth. Pulpectomy Cost, Procedure & Recovery. 2024
- NIH, National Library of Medicine. Pulpectomy. 2024
- ScienceDirect. Pulpectomy. 2024
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