Blog Post

What to Know About a Pulpectomy

Gerald M • Jun 07, 2017
oral care, pulpectomy

For each tooth within every set of teeth, there is an inner material called pulp, which, unlike the teeth’s inert, tough outer layers, is living, soft, and incredibly sensitive. The pulp is so sensitive that when those outer layers become damaged, it’s possible for the material inside to get infected. When this happens, sometimes the best way to save the infected tooth is something called a pulpectomy.

This procedure can be described as removing diseased or infected pulp from out of the tooth, with the goal being to save the tooth itself from being pulled. Pulpectomies are like root canals, and they are even typically part of that process. After the dentist takes the infected pulp out of the tooth, the space within the tooth is then disinfected and filled with a non-living material.

Who Receives This Treatment?

Pulpectomies are often for kids who have some or all their baby teeth. Baby teeth are notable for having shorter roots than permanent teeth, given baby teeth roots are eventually reabsorbed after children lose those teeth. This reabsorption allows for baby teeth to come out and let the permanent teeth set. Because of this, a pulpectomy typically calls for a material that can replace the infected pulp but still be absorbed.

Why Removal May Not Be an Option

The common belief regarding baby teeth states that because they will fall out anyway, there shouldn’t be a reason to save them. While it may be hard to see why this type of procedure would be necessary, primary teeth do serve a function beyond holding space before permanent teeth come in. As well as helping children speak and eat, baby teeth preserve space within the mouth while permanent teeth develop. If a primary tooth is removed before a permanent tooth is ready to erupt, the child could develop issues with teeth alignment.

At the same time, removing and then restoring pulp may not always be the appropriate treatment—extracting a tooth may be the best option. This varies based on whether a permanent tooth is about to erupt, thereby immediately replacing the infected baby tooth. The extent of the damage and the infection are also relevant factors.

How a Pulpectomy Can Be Avoided

If parents don’t want their child undergoing a serious dental procedure so young, there are means for reducing the danger of infection or damage in the teeth’s pulp. Rewarding great oral healthcare habits in kids from a young age especially helps protect teeth and reduces the chance of infection or decay. Encouraging these habits early also benefits kids for years to come.

Helping children brush their teeth twice per day using fluoride toothpaste can reduce the likelihood of baby teeth developing decay and cavities and decrease the chance of pulp infection. If parents are having difficulty getting their kids eager about brushing, let them choose their own dental care tools, such as toothbrushes with fun characters on them, designed specifically for young kids. Regular visits to the dentist are a must as well because this means a better chance of spotting initial signs of cavities and decay.

Are you avoiding trips to the dentist because of the high cost of treatments? Did you know you can use a New Hampshire discount dental plan to save as much as 20 percent off your bills? For more information, please click here.

Photo via Shutterstock

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