Pulpotomy
Pulpotomy Expert in Temple TX
Does your child need a pulpotomy in Temple, Texas? Let our expert children’s dentist help! Dr. Kinnari M. Prajapati, DDS, is a leading pulpotomy expert at Canyon Creek Dentistry in Temple. We now offer Zirconia Dental Crowns for baby teeth.
We welcome and accept most insurance, including Medicaid, CHIP, Foster Program, Concordia, Metlife, Delta, Blue Cross, Humana, Aetna, Care Credit.
What Is A Pulpotomy?
A pulpotomy is a procedure, typically done on children, in which we remove the pulp of the tooth, and the root canal is left intact. These are done on primary teeth when tooth decay has reached the pulp.
What is the Difference Between a Pulpotomy and a Pulpectomy?
We perform both treatments to rescue teeth with infected pulps that have deteriorated. A pulpotomy is a procedure in which the dentist removes only the pulp in the tooth’s crown, leaving the pulp in the roots. A pulpectomy involves the dentist removing the pulp and replacing it with cement in the roots.
When Should You Get A Pulpotomy?
These are typically done when the tooth decay has reached the pulp. However, the dentist may recommend a pulpotomy if your child complains of pain when cold or hot things touch their teeth. Sensitivity is the leading sign that the cavity has reached the root.
After an exam, if the tooth is severely decayed, then a pulpectomy may be recommended. A pulpectomy is just the extraction of the tooth. The permanent tooth will eventually replace the primary tooth.
What Can You Expect?
The first step in the procedure is numbing the area around the affected tooth. The local anesthetic will allow your child not to feel any pain during the process. If needed or wanted, we offer minor sedation through laughing gas. Laughing gas will keep the patient conscious but more relaxed during the treatment. Once thoroughly numbed, we will carefully enter the tooth to remove any decay. Next, we will open up the pulp chamber using the drill. The pulp chamber is located in the tooth’s center, and it houses all the nerves. Once the chamber is opened, we can remove the pulp entirely. If the pulp has had decay for an extended period, we suggest a complete tooth extraction. Tooth extraction is only the option if the tooth is beyond the point of repair. Lastly, the chamber is cleaned, sanitized, and sealed, and the tooth is restored using a zirconia dental crown. Dental crowns are customized tooth cap that will be bonded onto the lasting portion of the tooth. Crowns will resemble the natural anatomy of the once entirely natural tooth.
Come in for a Consultation!
It is impossible to know for sure if your child requires a pulpotomy without being seen and diagnosed by a dental professional such as Dr. Prajapati. If your child is experiencing pain in a specific tooth and you are unsure of what is wrong, please don’t hesitate to stop by our office. Through a thorough examination and possible x-rays, Dr. Prajapati will help diagnose your child and develop a detailed treatment plan. If your child needs a pulpotomy, save your child’s tooth and schedule your appointment with Dr. Prajapati today!