Pulpotomy: The reason for inflammation, irritation, or infection in your tooth
What is pulpotomy?
If a child or an adult experiences pain eating sweet, cold, or something hot, it is very likely that your child is suffering from pulpitis. To treat this, Pulpotomy, a dental procedure, is used to save decayed teeth. This procedure would be recommended alternatively when a deep cavity exposes the pulp underneath, making it prone to bacterial infection. A deeply decayed tooth can potentially cause inflammation, irritation, or infection to occur within a tooth’s pulp. This threatens the life of the infected tooth and the gums. In pulpotomy, it leaves the roots intact, and with the ability to grow, it’s used primarily in children with milk teeth, as it has an immature root formation.
Procedure
The dentist initially takes a dental X-ray. There would be a prerequisite for the procedure, and that would be your dentist prescribing you antibiotics 3 or 4 days before the procedure starts.
First, local anesthesia is used to numb the area. The decayed section of the tooth is then removed using a drill. The dentist drills the decayed area until the pulp is exposed, and that is through the enamel; the crown is then scooped out.
The drilled out region where the pulp was will be filled with dental cement to seal it. This is called a permanent filling.
Pulpotomy vs. Pulpectomy
In a pulpectomy, all the pulp is removed as well as the roots of an infected tooth. This is needed when the infection spreads below the crown.
Whereas in a pulpotomy, the pulp is retained, which enables further growth.
Aftercare
Post the procedure, children who received anesthesia or light sedation are monitored for nearly an hour before they can leave.
During this time, generally, children bounce back quickly. Although, in certain situations, sleepiness, vomiting, or nausea may occur. One may also notice slight bleeding for several hours. Avoid eating or drinking while your mouth is still numb to avoid accidentally biting your inner cheek.
Once you’re able to eat, always stick to soft food.
Final Note
A pulpotomy is a risk-free procedure. The effects of the sedatives wear off in some time. If you have any queries or concerns, the most important person to look up to and to discuss this is your dentist.
