Saving Baby Teeth: When a Pulpotomy Is Necessary to Treat Infection

It can be concerning for any parent to hear that their child has a dental infection, especially when it's in a baby tooth. But there’s good news: modern pediatric dentistry offers gentle, effective solutions that help preserve your child’s natural teeth and support healthy development.

At Truckee Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Matthew Gustafsson (Dr. G) focuses on treatments like pulpotomies to relieve infection and protect your child’s smile without unnecessary discomfort. Let’s walk through what a pulpotomy is, when it’s needed, and how it benefits your child.

What Is a Pulpotomy?

A pulpotomy is a specialized dental procedure that treats infection or inflammation in the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. When decay or injury reaches the pulp, it can cause pain or infection. 

Rather than removing the entire tooth, a pulpotomy targets only the affected portion, preserving the natural structure and function of your child’s baby tooth. Here’s how a pulpotomy works:

• Only the infected part of the pulp in the tooth’s crown is removed.
• The remaining healthy pulp tissue is left intact to continue nourishing the tooth.
• A calming medicated dressing is applied to prevent further infection.
• The tooth is then sealed with a crown to strengthen and protect it.

This approach helps keep baby teeth in place until they naturally fall out, which plays a vital role in guiding permanent teeth into the right position.

When Is a Pulpotomy Necessary?

Not every cavity or toothaches means your child needs a pulpotomy. This procedure is typically reserved for baby teeth with deeper decay that’s reached the pulp but hasn’t yet spread to the root tip or surrounding bone.

At Truckee Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. G carefully evaluates each child’s unique situation to determine the best approach. A pulpotomy may be recommended if your child:

• Complains of pain when biting or chewing
• Has a large cavity that reaches the inner pulp tissue
• Experiences lingering sensitivity to hot or cold foods
• Shows signs of infection, such as swelling or tenderness around the tooth

Early intervention can prevent the need for extraction and more invasive treatment later on. Pulpotomies help maintain proper oral development and make eating, speaking, and smiling comfortable again for your little one.

Why Saving Baby Teeth Matters

Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, they do far more than fill in a smile. Each one plays an important role in your child’s growth, confidence, and dental health. Preserving them through procedures like pulpotomy ensures children stay on track developmentally and emotionally. Here’s why keeping baby teeth matters:

• They guide permanent teeth into correct alignment.
• They support speech development and pronunciation.
• They help your child chew properly, which aids digestion.
• They foster self-esteem by helping kids feel good about their smiles.

Dr. G and the team at Truckee Pediatric Dentistry prioritize comfort and care in every treatment, helping each child build positive associations with dental care that last into adulthood. With our child-friendly approach and gentle sedation options, children receive the care they need in a calming, supportive setting.

Comfort-First Care with Modern Pediatric Techniques

For children who feel anxious about dental treatment, even the idea of a pulpotomy can sound scary. That’s why Dr. G takes a comfort-first approach, combining his nurturing care style with leading-edge tools to minimize discomfort and stress. Wondering what makes treatment at Truckee Pediatric Dentistry different?

• Laser dentistry: With the Solea all-tissue laser, many procedures are quiet, quick, and don’t require anesthesia.
• Personalized care: Every treatment is tailored to your child’s anxiety levels, oral health needs, and comfort preferences.
• Sedation options: Laughing gas and other safe sedation techniques are available when needed to create a peaceful experience.

From the gentle hum of our advanced dental equipment to the reassuring voice of Dr. G, your child is in expert hands every step of the way.

Schedule Your Child’s Visit in Truckee

If your child is experiencing dental pain or has been diagnosed with an infection, don’t wait. A pulpotomy can preserve your child’s tooth, relieve discomfort, and protect their developing smile. Call Truckee Pediatric Dentistry today at (530) 550-9311 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. G. We’re proud to serve families throughout Truckee, and we’re here to help your child feel at ease, every step of the way.