Downey Park Family Dentistry is excited to announce that our offices are reopen to serve our community. We are taking additional special measures to ensure the health and safety of our patients and team, and appreciate your understanding that things will look and function a bit differently in our office for the time being.
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A pulpotomy is a dental procedure often performed to save a severely damaged or decayed tooth, particularly in children. The procedure involves removing the entire pulp of the tooth, including the root canal. This is typically done when a tooth has been compromised by a large cavity or trauma, leading to an infection that has reached the pulp. The pulp is the innermost part of the tooth and contains nerves and blood vessels. When this area becomes infected, it can cause severe pain and, if left untreated, may lead to further complications such as abscess formation or spread of infection. A pulpotomy alleviates the pain and stops the spread of infection, preserving the affected tooth.
A pulpotomy can save a child's primary tooth from extraction!
The first step in the pulpotomy process is a thorough examination and diagnosis. This involves a detailed dental examination and may include dental X-rays to assess the extent of the infection and the condition of the tooth and surrounding structures. Once the need for a pulpotomy is determined, Dr. Ha will discuss the procedure, its benefits, and risks, and answer any questions you may have. This step is crucial in preparing both the child and the parent for the procedure and ensuring they understand the importance of the treatment.
The next step involves administering local anesthesia to numb the area and ensure the child feels no pain during the procedure. Once the area is numb, Dr. Ha will access the pulp chamber of the tooth using specialized dental instruments. The infected or inflamed pulp is then carefully removed.
After the infected pulp has been removed, the empty pulp chamber is filled with a biocompatible material. This helps maintain the structure of the tooth and prevent future infections. The tooth is then sealed with a dental filling or crown to restore its function and appearance.
Pulpotomy is often referred to as "baby root canal"!
All the 20 baby teeth will fall out before your child becomes an adult.
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