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Pulpectomies and Pulpotomies How Do Cavities Start?Cavities form when germs that feed on sugar produce acid and begin to eat away at the tooth enamel. If left untreated, cavities can continue to develop into the dentin and eventually the pulp, which can cause your child pain.Babies are born without these harmful bacteria in their mouth, and studies have proven that parents typically infect their children before age 2. Bacteria is transferred when parents eat from the same eating utensil as their baby, or when they hold their toddler's pacifier in their mouth. If parents have had cavities themselves, they are more likely to have cavity-causing germs to pass along. Pulpectomy & PulpotomyWhen most people think of a root canal, they probably picture an adult in the dentist’s chair. However, root canal therapy is a common treatment for children as well. At Fircrest Children's Dentistry, we offer pulpectomies and pulpotomies to alleviate pain, improve oral health, and prevent future complications.The Difference Between a Pulpectomy & PulpotomyDeep within every tooth exists a substance known as pulp. Pulp contains the nerves, connective tissues, and blood vessels essential to the lives of both primary (baby) and permanent teeth. When the outer layer of a tooth is damaged, it can leave the pulp susceptible to infection.An infection in the pulp can result in severe pain and even threaten the vitality of a tooth. A root canal is designed to remove the diseased pulp and halt the spread of infection. The only major difference between the two procedures is the amount of pulp we remove. During a pulpectomy, we remove all of the pulp tissue because it has either died or become infected. During a pulpotomy, we only need to remove a portion of the pulp to stymie the growth of harmful bacteria. Pulpotomies are usually reserved for primary teeth to prevent premature extraction. Pulpotomies are also minimally-invasive and cost-effective. Preserving a portion of the pulp helps to keep the tooth from becoming brittle. This can even eliminate the need for a dental crown. The Importance of Saving a Primary ToothProtecting a primary tooth with a pulpectomy or pulpotomy is more important than you may think. These procedures prevent the need for an extraction, which is better for your child’s long-term oral health. The premature loss of a primary tooth can cause eruption issues with the permanent teeth.When you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth may shift out of alignment to compensate for the open space. This can cause the permanent teeth to erupt in the wrong position, or become impacted (stuck below the gum tissue). Schedule an AppointmentIf you would like to learn more about restorative services, our team is happy to help. Call 253-564-2222 to schedule your child’s appointment today! |
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