Vital Pulp Therapy

If a primary tooth has extensive decay, or has been damaged by trauma, action may be needed to restore the integrity of the tooth and prevent infection from spreading to surrounding teeth. After a set of X-rays are taken, an endodontist will be able to assess the extent of the infection and recommend your treatment options. The less serious of these options is vital pulp therapy, also known as a pulpotomy.

What is a pulpotomy?

If the decay or trauma is confined to the crown of the tooth, and does not affect the root, a pulpotomy may be recommended. When a cavity gets really deep, close to the pulp of a tooth, or even into the pulp, the pulpal tissue becomes irritated and inflamed. A pulpotomy is when the inflamed pulp chamber, usually on a baby molar, is removed. The endodontist will remove all the infected material in the pulp of the crown only, leaving the living tooth root intact. After a pulpotomy on a baby molar, the empty space will be filled with dental cement and a stainless steel crown will be placed to restore the tooth.