Can you tell me what a pulpotomy is? My son’s pediatric dentist said that he needs one but he took off before I could ask any questions about the procedure. It sounds kind of scary and I want to know if it is really necessary.
Stacey
Dear Stacey,
I am sorry your son’s dentist did not take the time to explain to you what the procedure was and why it was necessary. Honestly, I think it is important for pediatric dentists to be available to parents. They need to explain procedures, explain why they think it is necessary, as well as explain any alternatives available. Maybe this experience was a fluke and your dentist will be available in the future. If you find it is not, then it is time to get a different dentist for your son.
Essentially, a pulpotomy is like a child’s version of a root canal treatment. I would only say it is necessary if you are dealing with an infected back tooth. This is because your child’s back teeth need to stay in place until they are about twelve years old. If they come out prematurely, then the adjacent teeth will shift or tip into the empty space. This will lead to your son needing expensive orthodontics in his teen years. That is an expense you want to avoid if at all possible.
The main benefit to a pulpotomy is that it can save an infected back tooth. If the tooth cannot be saved, then you will want to make certain that your dentist places what is known as a space maintainer in the empty spot. This will prevent the other teeth from shifting.
If you are talking about a tooth that is not a molar, then I would say that a pulpotomy is not a necessary treatment. These teeth do not have to remain in place for the same length of time so there is no problem with it being extracted if the tooth is infected.
What you do NOT want to do is leave an infected tooth. That can cause serious problems for your son. Tooth infections spread outside of the tooth and can become life threatening. I would consider an advanced tooth infection a dental emergency.
This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Carl Embury.