Pediatric Pulp Therapy: The Difference Between Pulpotomy and Pulpectomy

When cavities go undetected and untreated, they can penetrate through enamel and dentine – gradually exposing the inner pulp of your child’s teeth. This can be very problematic for children with growing smiles, especially since it causes tooth sensitivity and discomfort! Without the proper treatment, your child may even suffer infections, tooth loss, or bone loss.

At Children’s Dentistry of Manatee, we specialize in pulp therapy treatments like pulpotomy and pulpectomy. If you aren’t familiar with these terms, we’re here to help you make an informed decision for your child’s dental health. Reach out to our team, and we’ll be happy to explain more about our pulp therapy options.

What Is A Pulpotomy?

A pulpotomy removes only the coronal portion of the tooth’s pulp. Studies show that exposed areas of the pulp are the only portions that need to be removed – by getting rid of the damaged pulp, the remaining pulp can recover and remain intact.

Your child will benefit from a pulpotomy if they meet the following criteria:

• There are only partial coronal pulp infections.
• A majority of healthy teeth and salvageable pulp remain.
• They have no history of excessive bleeding or tooth sensitivity.

Types Of Pulpotomy

Not all pulpotomies are the same. Some of them vary in technique, materials, and equipment. Depending on our your child’s dental exam results, we may recommend one or more of the following types of pulpotomies:

• Vital Pulpotomy – This method preserves healthy pulp and encourages natural regeneration.

What Is A Pulpectomy?

A pulpectomy is also known as a pulp canal treatment and is similar to a root canal. This process removes both the coronal and radicular pulp, but they must only be performed on non-vital teeth like primary teeth or molars.

You should consider a pulpectomy for your child if:

• There is no other way to salvage the tooth pulp.
• Your child’s tooth enamel is severely damaged.
• Infections are too close to the pulp chamber and roots.

Types Of Pulpectomy

There are two main types of pulpectomy. Which one we recommend will depend on whether your child’s tooth can be salvaged or not. We may recommend:

• Partial Pulpectomy – This is similar to a pulpotomy since it removes only the infected pulp.
• Complete Pulpectomy – This procedure removes the entire pulp from affected teeth.

Give Your Child Pulp Therapy At Children’s Dentistry Of Manatee

Whether your child needs a pulpotomy or a pulpectomy, it’s important to find a specialist that is qualified to perform these very delicate procedures. When you take your child to our dental practice, we’ll make sure they experience minimal discomfort from start to finish.

For the best pulp therapy in Bradenton, Florida, Children’s Dentistry of Manatee should be your first and final stop! Get in touch with us to schedule a consultation with our in-house experts.