Why Would a Kid Need a Pulpotomy Procedure? 

If your child has tooth decay, Dr. Sandra Thompson may recommend a pulpotomy to treat it. This is a dental procedure that involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and then restoring it with a filling or dental crown. 

While all this might sound intimidating, pulpotomies are safe and sometimes vital for maintaining little ones' oral health. 

Allow us to explain. 

How Does a Pulpotomy Work? 

Pulpotomies are also known as baby root canals because the process is basically the same. If your child's tooth's pulp has become inflamed or infected, the dentist will have to remove it to prevent further damage to the tooth. 

The dentist will drill the tooth to access the decayed part and remove it. The tooth is then restored with a dental crown. 

If the infection or inflammation has spread to the root of the tooth, a more extensive procedure, named pulpectomy will be needed. This requires the removal of all the pulp tissue in the tooth. 

Why Would a Kid Need a Pulpotomy? 

There are several reasons a child may need a pulpotomy:

• Tooth decay: This is the most common reason a child may need a pulpotomy. If left untreated, cavities can reach the pulp of the tooth, leading to inflammation or infection. When that happens, the dentist will need to remove the infected part to restore your child's oral health. 
• Tooth trauma: If a tooth is injured or cracked, it can expose the pulp. A pulpotomy is then necessary to restore the tooth. 

Why Do You Need to Treat Baby Teeth? 

Even though baby teeth are temporary and will eventually fall out, they still play a crucial role in your child's oral health. 

Firstly, baby teeth help your child chew their food properly, which is essential for good nutrition and digestion. They also aid in the development of speech, enabling your little one to form sounds and words correctly.

As far as their oral health goes, baby teeth hold space in the jaw for the eruption of permanent teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early due to decay or other problems, the neighboring teeth may shift into the empty space, which can cause issues with alignment when the permanent teeth start to come in.

Untreated decay in baby teeth can also lead to problems with the developing adult teeth underneath, affecting your child's oral health in the long term. 

There's also the fact that decay can cause significant pain and discomfort for your little one, leading to difficulty eating and sleeping. 

Is Your Child Suffering from Tooth Decay? We Can Help! 

We understand that you are worried about your child's well-being. Think about it this way: teaching children to take care of their teeth can help establish lifelong healthy oral habits. And, that's what you want for them, right? 

Moreover, the team at Desert Kids Dental will make sure that your little one is comfortable and happy throughout the entire procedure. 

Contact us now to book your child's appointment with Dr. Sandra Thompson.