A pulpotomy is a dental procedure primarily performed on children's teeth to treat tooth decay that has reached the pulp, the innermost part of the tooth. At Small Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Garden City, Dr. Manpreet Dhillon and Dr. Ravneet Dhillon specialize in this treatment, focusing on preserving the natural tooth structure while relieving pain and preventing further infection. The procedure involves removing the diseased pulp tissue and sealing the tooth with a therapeutic material to promote healing. Pulpotomies are essential for maintaining the integrity of primary teeth, which play a crucial role in guiding the proper eruption of permanent teeth.
Why May My Child Need a Pulpotomy?
Opting for a pulpotomy at Small Smiles Pediatric Dentistry can be a crucial decision for your child's oral health. This procedure not only alleviates pain and discomfort caused by tooth decay but also helps in preserving the natural tooth structure. By maintaining the primary teeth, a pulpotomy ensures that your child's permanent teeth have the necessary space to erupt correctly, preventing potential orthodontic issues in the future. Additionally, by addressing the decay early, you can avoid more extensive and costly dental treatments down the road, ensuring your child maintains a healthy and confident smile.
DID YOU KNOW?
Pulpotomies are often referred to as "baby root canals" due to their similar goals.
The Benefits Of Pulpotomies
Pain Relief
A pulpotomy provides immediate relief from the pain and discomfort associated with infected pulp tissue. By removing the diseased pulp, the procedure alleviates pressure and inflammation, allowing your child to return to their daily activities pain-free.
Preservation of Tooth Structure
Preserving the natural tooth structure is a significant benefit of a pulpotomy. By maintaining the primary tooth, the procedure ensures that the space needed for the proper alignment of permanent teeth is kept intact, reducing the risk of future orthodontic issues.
Prevention of Infection Spread
A pulpotomy effectively prevents the spread of infection to surrounding teeth and gums. By removing the infected pulp tissue and sealing the tooth, the procedure halts the progression of decay, safeguarding your child's overall oral health.
The Pulpotomy Treatment Process
Diagnosis and Assessment
The first step in the pulpotomy process involves a thorough examination and assessment by Dr. Manpreet Dhillon or Dr. Ravneet Dhillon. They will evaluate your child's tooth using X-rays and a clinical examination to determine the extent of the decay and whether a pulpotomy is the most suitable treatment. This step is crucial in ensuring an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan that addresses your child's specific dental needs.
Removal of Infected Pulp
Once the need for a pulpotomy is confirmed, the next step involves the careful removal of the infected pulp tissue. The dentist will administer local anesthesia to ensure your child's comfort throughout the procedure. Using specialized instruments, the diseased pulp is gently extracted from the tooth's pulp chamber. This step is vital in eliminating the source of infection and pain, setting the stage for healing and restoration.
Sealing and Restoration
After the infected pulp is removed, the tooth is sealed with a medicated material that promotes healing and prevents further infection. This is followed by restoring the tooth with a dental crown or filling, depending on the extent of the decay. The restoration not only protects the treated tooth but also restores its function and appearance, allowing your child to chew and speak comfortably.
Before & Afters
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Dental Trauma Guide
What to do in the event of trauma to the teeth and mouth:
If bleeding occurs:
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- Apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze
- Try to identify the source of the bleeding
- If the gums or teeth are bleeding see a dental professional
- If the lips or face are injured visit the emergency room
If a tooth is chipped
- If the tooth fragment that chipped off is found, store it in milk, saliva or saline. Do NOT store in alcohol, water or mouthwash
- Contact a dentist for an emergency appointment
If a baby tooth is knocked out
- Baby teeth are not advised to be re-implanted but should be brought to the dentist to be evaluated
If there is a shift in the position of a tooth/teeth
- This is urgent! Contact a dentist for an emergency appointment ASAP
- If injury occurs outside of business hours visit the emergency room
If an adult tooth is knocked out
- Handle the tooth by the crown, try to avoid touching the root
- Rinse the tooth with milk or saline, DO NOT SCRUB
- Place the tooth back into the socket if possible
- If not, store the tooth in milk, saliva or saline. Do NOT store in alcohol, water or mouthwash. Adult teeth can be re-implanted by a dentist
- This is urgent! Contact a dentist for an emergency appointment ASAP
- If injury occurs outside of business hours visit the emergency room
If unsure whether a baby or adult tooth is knocked out
- Store the tooth in milk, saliva or saline and allow the doctor to determine. Do NOT store in alcohol, water or mouthwash
- This is urgent! Contact a dentist for an emergency appointment ASAP
- If injury occurs outside of business hours visit the emergency room
In all cases, focus on controlling bleeding (with gauze/clean cloth and pressure) and managing pain with motrin/tylenol (follow manufacturers instructions for dosing). Some dental emergencies are more urgent than others but all cases of dental trauma should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible.
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How to Reduce the Risk of Dental Trauma
Dental injuries are very common amongst active children. Here are some tips to reduce your child's risk of experiencing serious dental trauma.
Safe Play Environments
- Check play areas for younger children for hard surfaces and sharp corners, try to child-proof or limit access to such areas
- Keep hard objects and toys away from young children especially when they are teething (ages 0-3)
Preventing Sports-Related Trauma
- Helmets, facemasks and mouthguards reduce both the frequency and severity of dental/facial trauma.
- Mouthguards are highly recommended for all collision and contact sports and help prevent injuries such as broken or displaced teeth, jaw-joint injury, lip/cheek/chin lacerations and even concussions
- Custom mouthguards made by a dental provider offer the highest level of protection and can be made for children of all ages
- Pre-formed stock mouthguards and boil and bite mouthguards are more affordable alternatives which offer a lower level of protection than custom mouthguards but still reduce the risk and severity of injury
Education and Preparation
- Even with safeguards in place injuries happen! Learning how to manage dental injuries will help the adults managing the situation stay calm and act fast
- Some children are more prone to dental injury depending on their unique dental anatomy. Regular dental check ups will help identify potential risks and a dental provider can offer personalized suggestions
Frequently Asked Questions
