Pulpotomies (Baby Tooth Nerve Treatment)

Sometimes, tooth decay or injury goes deeper than the surface of a child’s tooth and affects the soft tissue inside, called the pulp. When this happens, a simple filling isn’t enough. Instead, your child may need a pulpotomy, often called a “baby tooth root canal.”

What Is a Pulpotomy?

A pulpotomy is a procedure used to treat decay or infection that has reached the nerve chamber (pulp) of a baby tooth. Unlike a full root canal, which removes all of the pulp, a pulpotomy removes only the infected portion inside the crown of the tooth while leaving the healthy root structure intact.

When Is a Pulpotomy Needed?

A pulpotomy may be recommended if your child:

• Has a large cavity close to or involving the nerve

• Experiences lingering pain, especially at night

• Has visible infection or abscess near a baby tooth

• Needs to preserve a baby tooth until it naturally falls out

How the Procedure Works

1. The tooth is numbed to keep your child comfortable.

2. Decay and the affected pulp tissue in the crown portion of the tooth are gently removed.

3. A special medicated material is placed inside to protect the remaining pulp.

4. The tooth is then restored—most often with a stainless steel crown to protect it.

Benefits of a Pulpotomy

• Relieves pain caused by deep decay or infection

• Preserves the baby tooth until it is ready to fall out naturally

• Maintains proper spacing for permanent teeth

• Supports normal chewing and speech development

Why Not Just Pull the Tooth?

Baby teeth play an important role in guiding permanent teeth into place. By saving the tooth with a pulpotomy instead of extracting it, we help protect your child’s smile, bite, and development.