Dr. Richard Parsanko runs Sonoran Desert Dentistry in Scottsdale, Arizona. Here, he explains the pulpectomy procedure, which is basically a root canal for children’s baby teeth.
What exactly is a root canal? Inside each tooth is the pulp which provides nutrients and nerves to the tooth. It runs like a thread through the root. When the pulp is diseased or injured, the pulp tissue dies. If you don’t remove it, your tooth gets infected and you could lose it. After the dentist removes the pulp, the root canal is cleaned and sealed to protect it. Then your dentist places a crown over the tooth to help make it stronger.
So how is a pulpectomy different than a root canal? The procedure is different because the baby teeth have short roots, so there is not as much to take out.
When do baby teeth start to grow and when do they fall out? Baby teeth start to come in at around 6 to 12 months, and they keep coming in until about age 4. You start losing them when you’re about 7, and they’re all lost by the time you’re about 11.
When is a pulpectomy recommended? A pulpectomy may be recommended when decay or fracture has extended deep into a baby tooth, reaching the tooth’s nerve, or when there’s an abscess due to an infection. Your child’s baby teeth are important to maintain in order to get the space needed for their permanent teeth to come in as straight as possible.
What happens during a pulpectomy? A pulpectomy removes the infected nerve tissue inside the tooth and helps prevent the unnecessary loss of baby teeth. The success of the procedure usually depends on the severity of the infection associated with your child’s condition. The dentist will place an antibiotic in the center of the tooth to kill infection, then do a regular filling, and typically finish the procedure with a dental crown.
How do you prevent your child from having to get a pulpectomy? A pulpectomy has to be done when there has been negligence to the teeth. To avoid problems, take your child to the dentist for regular checkups, and make sure he brushes and flosses to avoid cavities. Make sure he doesn’t overdose on energy drinks and soda, as those are full of tooth-damaging acids and sugars, and that gets enough fluoride to strengthen his tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
Adults and children have different needs when it comes to dental care. Adults want the best technology, the most informed doctors, and the highest-quality care, while kids want to be comfortable, entertained, and respected. Here at Sonoran Desert Dentistry, we understand these differences, and we address them all.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
