Pulpotomy For Kids Explained

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Has your child been complaining of a toothache? Then they may need a pulpotomy. In a sense, it’s basically like a child’s version of a root canal, and it’s the best way to reduce the child’s discomfort and help restore their oral health.

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But pulpotomies can make both the parents and the kids feel a bit anxious. So here is everything you need to know about pulpotomies, and how to prepare for them!

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What Is a Pulpotomy

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A pulpotomy is a procedure that involves opening the child’s tooth and removing all the infected tissue from inside. After this, the remaining tooth pulp is treated with a special medication that protects the tooth from a potential infection.

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If the dentist needs to remove a lot of tooth tissue, then the child may need a dental crown to restore the tooth. If not, then a regular filling is sufficient.

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When Is a Pulpotomy Necessary for Your Child?

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Pulpotomies are used to treat large cavities or even infections in baby teeth. Unlike a root canal done on adult teeth, a pulpotomy’s goal is to help preserve as much of the tooth’s pulp as possible and keep the tooth alive. This is essential for baby teeth that do not have mature roots yet, to help them continue to develop and even assist when permanent teeth begin to erupt.

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How to Prepare for a Pulpotomy

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The best thing you can do at this time is explain to your child what is about to happen. Let them know the procedure is necessary to help remove their pain and help their teeth be stronger.

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Also, reassure them that they will feel no pain during the procedure. The dentist will numb the area and help the child feel comfortable throughout the procedure.

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Additionally, pulpotomies are fairly straightforward procedures, and in most cases, the child won’t need to spend a lot of time in the dentist’s office.

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Aftercare Tips

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Once the procedure is done, the dentist will provide you with a list of aftercare instructions that may include:

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• Not giving your child any food or drinks for a few hours
• Stick to soft foods that don’t require a lot of chewing for the first day
• Monitor the child’s symptoms. Some minor bleeding and pain are common in the beginning, but it should go down in 1-2 days
• Continue to brush and floss the child’s teeth properly

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Does Your Child Have a Toothache?

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If your child is complaining of a toothache, then you may want to bring them in for a consultation with Dr. Lee at Smile Ark Pediatric Dentistry. Whether they need a pulpotomy or another procedure, you can rest assured your child’s oral health will be well taken care of at our practice.

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Book an appointment at Smile Ark Pediatric Dentistry today to get started.

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Need more information? Then call us at (203) 763-4200 for a short chat.

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