Pulp Therapy (Pulpectomy)
Gentle, Effective Relief for Deep Tooth Infections
At Eastside Children’s Dentistry, we offer pulp therapy, also known as a pulpectomy, for children in Chagrin Falls to treat baby teeth affected by advanced decay or infection. This restorative procedure is used when both the crown and root of the tooth are infected, and it helps save the tooth while relieving your child’s pain.
Dr. Sandyha Menon and our caring pediatric dental team are experienced in providing this treatment with a gentle, child-friendly approach to help your little one feel calm and comfortable throughout the process.
We’re proud to provide pulpectomy treatment to patients in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Menon, please call (440)-708-1331.
What Is a Pulpectomy?
A pulpectomy is a type of pulp therapy that removes all infected tissue from inside a baby tooth—including the pulp in the roots. It’s typically recommended when a tooth infection has progressed beyond what a pulpotomy (partial pulp removal) can treat.
Benefits of pulp therapy include:
- Treats deep infection and inflammation
- Relieves pain and discomfort
- Preserves the natural tooth structure
- Maintains space for permanent teeth
- Prevents premature tooth loss and bite problems
After treatment, the tooth is restored with a stainless steel crown to provide full protection and long-term function.
When Is a Pulpectomy Needed?
Your child may need pulp therapy if they’re experiencing:
- Persistent tooth pain, especially when chewing or at night
- Swelling or redness around a tooth
- Deep cavities visible on an X-ray
- Dental abscess or infection
- Trauma that affects the tooth’s nerve
Our team will carefully examine your child’s tooth and take X-rays to determine if a pulpectomy is the right course of treatment.
What to Expect During a Pulpectomy
Pulp therapy is a routine procedure in pediatric dentistry and is performed with care and precision to ensure your child’s comfort.
Assessment and Diagnosis
We begin with a thorough evaluation, including digital X-rays, to identify the extent of decay or infection.
Numbing and Comfort Measures
The area around the affected tooth will be gently numbed to keep your child relaxed and pain-free throughout the treatment.
Cleaning the Canals
All of the infected pulp from the crown and roots of the tooth is carefully removed. The root canals are then cleaned, disinfected, and filled with a safe, biocompatible material.
Final Restoration
A stainless steel crown is placed over the tooth to restore its strength and function, allowing your child to bite and chew normally.
Post-Treatment Care for Pulp Therapy
After the procedure, your child might experience mild sensitivity for a short period, but most return to their regular routine by the next day. To keep the restored tooth healthy:
- Maintain a good brushing and flossing routine
- Avoid sticky or crunchy foods for a few days
- Visit us regularly for checkups and X-rays to monitor healing
We’ll keep an eye on the tooth at each visit until it naturally falls out to make room for the adult tooth.
Why Save a Baby Tooth?
Although baby teeth are temporary, they play a critical role in your child’s oral development. Keeping a baby tooth in place until it’s ready to fall out naturally helps:
- Maintain spacing for incoming permanent teeth
- Support clear speech and efficient chewing
- Promote proper jaw growth and alignment
Pulp therapy helps avoid early extractions and the complications that can follow.
Is a Pulpectomy Right for Your Child?
If your child is experiencing dental pain, swelling, or signs of a deep cavity, pulp therapy may be the best way to treat the issue while preserving the tooth.
Dr. Menon will assess your child’s needs and explain every step of the process to ensure you feel informed and confident in your decision.
FAQs About Pulp Therapy
Q: When is pulp therapy needed?
Pulp therapy is indicated when a tooth has deep decay, trauma, or infection that has affected the pulp (nerve) tissue, causing pain, swelling, or abscess formation. It’s often the alternative to tooth extraction when the pulp is damaged but the tooth can still be saved.
Q: What are the types of pulp therapy?
The main types include pulpotomy (removing only the crown portion of the pulp) and pulpectomy (removing all pulp tissue from the crown and roots). The choice depends on the extent of pulp damage and whether it’s a primary or permanent tooth.
Q: Is pulp therapy painful?
The procedure itself is not painful as local anesthesia is used to numb the area completely. Some mild discomfort may occur after the anesthesia wears off, but this is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain medication.
Q: How successful is pulp therapy?
Pulp therapy has high success rates, particularly pulpotomies in primary teeth which succeed in 80-90% of cases. Success depends on proper case selection, technique, and follow-up care with appropriate crown restoration.
Q: What happens after pulp therapy?
The treated tooth usually requires a crown (often stainless steel) to protect it from fracture and ensure long-term success. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor healing and ensure the treatment remains successful.
Comfort-First Care for a Healthier Smile
At Eastside Children’s Dentistry, we’re dedicated to providing expert, compassionate care that prioritizes your child’s health and comfort. With pulp therapy, we can treat infection, stop pain, and protect your child’s smile—safely and effectively. Call us today to schedule your child’s pulp therapy appointment at our Chagrin Falls office. Let’s keep their smile healthy and strong—every step of the way! Please call (440)-708-1331 and let’s book your child’s appointment today!