Pulpotomy & Pulpectomy

Caring For Little Smiles When The Waters Get Rough

Sometimes cavities get big quickly, leading to the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels—called the pulp—to become damaged. When this happens, it may be necessary for your child to have a pulpotomy or pulpectomy to help their smile stay anchored and protect any adult teeth getting ready to swim to shore.

Little boy smiling in his dad’s arms in the Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry waiting room before sealant treatment

What Is A Pulpotomy?

A pulpotomy is recommended when only part of the pulp is infected. Dr. Skip, Dr. Stephanie or Dr. Katie will remove the infected portion of pulp, preserving the healthy part and protecting the adult tooth as it gets ready to surface. A stainless steel cap is typically placed on the tooth after the pulpotomy to protect it from any future rough seas or surprise waves ahead!

What Is A Pulpectomy?

We may recommend a pulpectomy when all of the pulp or tooth is infected or dead. Your child’s dentist will remove all the infected or dead parts and apply medication to the root canals, clearing the way for smooth sailing ahead. A special type of filling is then used to keep the area healthy and ensure your child’s adult tooth can grow strong and steady.

Mother and two children reading a book together in the Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry waiting room

Common Questions About Receiving A Pulpotomy Or Pulpectomy

We know that when making any decisions about your child’s oral health, it’s important to be informed. If you suspect your child may need a pulpotomy or pulpectomy, or if it’s been prescribed, we want you to feel confident and knowledgeable before charting the course ahead. Below, Dr. Skip, Dr. Stephanie and Dr. Katie have compiled some of the most common questions we receive about pulpotomy and pulpectomy procedures, helping you navigate your child’s care with ease and peace of mind. 

Your child’s dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area being treated via an injection. The area of the injection zone will also be numbed before the injection is given, meaning the procedure will be smooth sailing and completely comfortable for your child. After the procedure, it’s normal for the area to feel a little sore. This tenderness typically resolves after a few days, and any discomfort from the pulpotomy or pulpectomy can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

 

No, in fact, a pulpotomy or pulpectomy will help keep your child’s smile on course by protecting their developing permanent teeth. By saving the baby tooth and keeping it healthy until it’s ready to drift out naturally, these treatments preserve the space and help guide the adult tooth safely into harbor. Both procedures actually support natural development and help your child’s permanent teeth grow healthy, strong and well-aligned.

As always, follow any aftercare instructions from your child’s dentist. In general, we recommend that your child take over-the-counter pain medication such as children’s ibuprofen or acetaminophen before and after the procedure to manage any discomfort. Your child should continue their normal flossing and brushing routine, while being gentle around the treated tooth for the first few days as things settle back into calm waters.

How Do I Know If My Child Needs A Pulpotomy or Pulpectomy?

Only Dr. Skip, Dr. Stephanie or Dr. Katie can provide a diagnosis and decide if your child would benefit from a pulpotomy or pulpectomy. However, if your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms, we recommend calling our office at (910) 791-7380 and scheduling an appointment to get their smile back on course.

  • Persistent or spontaneous tooth pain
  • Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods
  • Pain when chewing or biting down
  • Swelling or redness around the tooth or gums
  • Changes in the tooth’s color
  • Prolonged or untreated cavities
  • Trauma to the tooth

Trust Our Pediatric Dental Team For Your Child’s Pulpotomy or Pulpectomy

By catching these signs early and following your child’s treatment plan, our team can help remove infection, relieve discomfort and save the tooth. With a pulpotomy or pulpectomy, we aim to protect your child’s smile, support the natural development of their adult teeth and keep their oral health on smooth sailing. You can trust that Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry is here to guide your family every step of the way, helping your child’s smile stay strong, healthy and ready for whatever adventures lie ahead.

Healthy Smiles Start at Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry

Expert Pediatric Dental Care

At Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry, we make it easy to schedule your child’s next visit! Whether it’s their first dental checkup or a routine cleaning, our friendly team is here to ensure every experience is positive and stress-free. Give us a call at (910) 791-7380 and our team will confirm your preferred date and time. We look forward to helping your child enjoy a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles!

Curly-haired blonde little boy smiling at Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry after a pulpotomy treatment
Two smiling children hugging outdoors on a sunny day, showing healthy and happy smiles after a dental visit.
Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry light-blue logo featuring a smiling tooth surfing on a toothbrush wave with sun icons.

Catching Waves, Creating Smiles

2606 Iron Gate Dr., Suite 200, Wilmington, NC 28412

(910) 791-7380