Pulpotomy in Edmond, OK

Contemporary Orthodontics provides pulpotomy treatment to patients in Edmond, OK, and the surrounding Oklahoma City area. Contact us at 405-285-5042 to learn more about root canal therapy or to schedule a dental care appointment.

Baby and adult teeth depend on healthy pulp to stay strong and functional. The blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that keep a tooth healthy and alive are located in the pulp of the tooth, which is protected by the outer enamel and tooth structure. Sometimes the pulp can become infected with tooth decay. The infected pulp can be removed with a pulpotomy. A medicated dressing is then placed in the tooth chamber to prevent further infection and to promote the healing of the remaining pulp. The chamber is then sealed. Because this procedure is often performed on deciduous (baby) teeth, it is sometimes referred to as a baby root canal.

What Is a Pulpotomy Procedure?

A pulpotomy focuses on the upper portion of the tooth — specifically the tooth's crown — rather than the tooth's roots. Unlike a full root canal, which involves removing all of the pulp from both the crown and the canals underneath, a pulpotomy procedure only targets damaged pulp or minimal decayed pulp in the crown chamber. This makes it a common procedure for preserving child's baby teeth and, in some cases, adult teeth as well.

During the procedure, your dentist will use x-rays to assess the extent of the infection and decay. The goal is to remove damaged tissue and removing inflamed or infected pulp while leaving healthy pulp intact. A medicated filling is then placed in the pocket — the sealed chamber — to prevent the infection from spreading further and to promote healing of the remaining pulp. In many cases, your provider will also place a crown over the tooth's crown to restore its structure and appearance.

Contact us at 405-285-5042 to learn more about root canal treatment and to schedule an appointment.