Pulpotomy/Pulpectomy

Gentle, Expert Care to Protect Little Smiles

At Kids Rock Dentistry and Orthodontics, we know how important it is to protect your child’s baby teeth until their adult teeth are ready to take their place. When tooth decay or infection reaches the inner part of a tooth, a pulpotomy or pulpectomy may be the best way to save the tooth and keep your child comfortable.

These treatments may sound complex—but don’t worry, we’re here to walk you through what they mean and how they help your child’s smile stay strong and healthy.

Why Baby Teeth Matter

Baby teeth aren’t just placeholders—they play a big role in helping your child eat, speak, and smile with confidence. They also guide permanent teeth into their proper positions.

If a baby tooth is lost too early due to decay or infection, it can lead to:

• Misaligned permanent teeth
• Speech problems
• Difficulty chewing
• Other long-term dental issues

That’s why our team focuses on preserving baby teeth whenever possible—even if they’re damaged or decayed. When the inside of a tooth (called the pulp) becomes infected, a pulpotomy or pulpectomy may be needed to treat the problem and save the tooth.

What’s the Difference Between a Pulpotomy and a Pulpectomy?

🦷 Pulpotomy: Treating the Upper Part of the Tooth

A pulpotomy is recommended when the infection or decay is limited to the top part of the tooth (the crown), and hasn’t reached the root.

🦷 Pulpectomy: A Deeper Treatment

A pulpectomy is necessary when the infection has spread into the root canals of the tooth. It’s similar to a root canal but specially designed for baby teeth.

Both treatments are safe, effective, and designed to help your child feel better while keeping their natural tooth in place.

When Is a Pulpotomy Needed?

We may recommend a pulpotomy if:

• Decay has reached the pulp inside the crown but not the root
• There are no signs of an abscess or severe infection
• The tooth is still strong and stable
• The tooth is needed for proper spacing or chewing (especially molars)

Pulpotomies are a common and highly effective way to relieve pain and stop infection—while preserving the natural tooth until it’s ready to fall out on its own.

What to Expect During a Pulpotomy

Here’s how the pulpotomy process works at Kids Rock Dentistry:

1. Gentle Numbing: We start with a local anesthetic to keep your child comfortable.
2. Decay Removal: The decayed part of the tooth is carefully removed.
3. Pulp Treatment: Only the infected tissue in the crown is removed.
4. Medication Applied: A special medicine (like MTA) is placed to disinfect and protect the remaining healthy pulp.
5. Crown Placement: The tooth is filled and usually covered with a crown to keep it strong.

👉 Most pulpotomies are completed in just one visit—and kids leave feeling better right away.

When Is a Pulpectomy Needed?

A pulpectomy is a deeper treatment used when:

• The infection has spread into the root pulp
• Your child has constant pain or sensitivity
• The tooth is at risk of being lost too early
• The adult tooth isn’t expected to erupt soon

Pulpectomies are especially helpful when your child’s permanent teeth still have years to go before coming in. This treatment helps the baby tooth stay functional and in place until it’s naturally time to fall out.

What to Expect During a Pulpectomy

Here’s how a pulpectomy works at our office:

1. Comfort First: We gently numb the area so your child stays relaxed.
2. Decay Removal: We remove all decay and infected pulp from the crown and root.
3. Thorough Cleaning: The inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected.
4. Filling the Tooth: A special filling material is placed that’s safe for baby teeth and won’t affect the adult teeth.
5. Crown Placement: A crown is added to restore strength and protect the tooth.

Pulpectomies take a little longer than pulpotomies but are still a smooth, well-tolerated procedure for most kids.

Benefits of Pulpotomies & Pulpectomies

Both of these treatments offer big benefits for your child’s smile:

• ✅ Pain Relief – Say goodbye to toothaches caused by deep decay or infection
• ✅ Tooth Preservation – Keep the baby tooth in place until it’s ready to fall out naturally
• ✅ Support Healthy Development – Maintain proper spacing for adult teeth, support speech, and allow normal chewing
• ✅ Prevent Future Issues – Stop infections before they spread or cause long-term problems

Why Choose Kids Rock Dentistry and Orthodontics?

Our team of specialized pediatric dentists in Colorado Springs, CO, is trained to treat children’s dental needs with expert care and a gentle approach. We create a fun, calming environment where kids feel safe and supported—so you can feel confident that your child is in great hands.

We don’t just treat teeth—we treat kids like the rockstars they are. 🎸

Aftercare Tips for a Healthy Recovery

Once your child has a pulpotomy or pulpectomy, here’s how to support healing and protect their smile:

• 🪥 Brush & Floss Gently – Help your child maintain good oral hygiene every day.
• 🍭 Limit Sugar – Reduce sweet snacks and drinks to prevent new decay.
• 🦷 Avoid Sticky or Hard Foods – Especially right after treatment, avoid foods that could damage the crown.
• ‍⚕️ Keep Up with Checkups – Regular visits help us monitor the treated tooth and overall dental health.

Long-Term Oral Health Support

We’re not just here for one visit—we’re here to grow with your child. From routine cleanings to orthodontic checkups and everything in between, Kids Rock Dentistry and Orthodontics is your partner in long-term oral health.