Pulpotomy (Pulpal Thereapy, Nerve Treatment, Baby Tooth Root Canal)

Pulpotomy 

A pulpotomy, also called Pulpal Therapy, Nerve Treatment and Baby Tooth Root Canal, can be a successful method to save a tooth from extraction. When decay invades the area near the pulp of the tooth, the pulpal tissue becomes inflamed. It is necessary to remove this decay as soon as possible to keep the tooth from requiring extraction due to an abscess. A pulpotomy cannot save an already abscessed tooth. If you think your child has an abscess or requires treatment for a toothache, see a dentist immediately.

What to expect when your child has a Pulpotomy.

Local anesthesia will be used to complete your child's treatment. The lips and tongue may be affected, which may be a new and sometimes alarming sensation. Gentle reassurance may be necessary to convince your child that the feeling it temporary and the teeth will "wake back up" in approximately 1 - 2 hours.

Avoid sticky foods for 24 hours for the filling to adhere properly. Wait until the anesthetic wears off before chewing foods. This will reduce your chances of injuring yourself from biting your tongue, lip or cheeks.

If your child experiences minimal discomfort following the procedure, Motrin/Ibuprofen is the pain reliever of choice for dental discomfort and can be taken every 8 hours. If relief is needed more frequently, Tylenol may be alternated every 4 hours. If your child is a patient with our office, please contact us if any issues or questions arise. Always confirm your child's weight to ensure the proper dose is administered.

Preparing for your child's visit.

It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as "needle", "shot", "pull", "drill" or "hurt". The office makes a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child. 

Instead of saying this = Please use this
Needle = Bubble
Anesthetic = Sleepy Juice 
Numb = Asleep
Infection = Sick tooth because of sugar bugs 
Bite Block = Tooth Pillow
Nitrous, Gas = Special Air, Loopy Gas, Happy Gas
Nitrous/Gas = Mask Clown Nose, Special Nose 
Drug, Medicine = Silly Pill, Special Juice
Drill, Cut = Mr. Whistle, Super-Fast Toothbrush
Instrument = Pick Tooth Counter
Scraper = Tooth Cleaner