Pulpectomy

That depends on your child and their experience going to the dentist. For example, if your child had a cavity filled, they may not feel anxious about having a pulpectomy. But if this is your child’s first dental procedure, ask their dentist how you can help your child get ready.

The first step is medication so that the procedure doesn’t cause pain. Dentists and endodontists typically inject numbing medication into your child’s gums. They may give your child a liquid sedative before they give them numbing medication. Next, your child’s dentist or endodontist will:

• Place a thin rubber sheet (dental dam) over the tooth to keep it dry.
• Drill a small hole in the top of the tooth to get to the pulp.
• Remove all infected tooth pulp.
• Flush the root canals with liquid.
• Fill the space with medicated material.
• Seal the tooth with dental cement.
• Place a temporary dental crown on the tooth.

The procedure may take an hour to complete.

A pulpectomy relieves pain and helps to keep your child’s baby tooth in place. Saving that tiny tooth means your child can chew their food instead of trying to swallow large bites. More importantly, keeping a baby tooth in place saves a spot open for your child’s permanent tooth.

A pulpectomy is a safe procedure with very little risk. But sometimes, the procedure doesn’t remove all the infected pulp. In that case, your child may need to have another pulpectomy.