At Brisbane Emergency Dentist, our experienced team performs pulpectomy procedures with precision and care, ensuring a comfortable, pain-free experience for your child while protecting their long-term dental health.
Both a pulpectomy and a root canal treatment involve removing infected pulp from inside a tooth, but they differ in purpose and technique.
A pulpectomy is performed primarily on baby teeth or young permanent teeth to save them until the child’s full dental development is complete. The infected pulp is carefully removed from both the crown and root canals, which are then disinfected, filled with a safe resorbable material, and sealed.
A root canal treatment, in contrast, is typically carried out on adult teeth and involves filling the canals with non-resorbable material to provide long-term stability. In essence, pulpectomy serves as a temporary but essential tooth-saving procedure in children, whereas a root canal is a permanent solution for adult teeth.
While the two procedures may sound similar, they differ in how much of the pulp is removed.
A pulpotomy removes only the infected pulp from the crown portion of the tooth, preserving the healthy pulp in the roots. In contrast, a pulpectomy removes all of the pulp tissue from both the crown and roots, especially when the infection has spread deeper into the canals.
Pulpotomies are performed when the infection is confined to the upper pulp, while pulpectomies are required for advanced decay or infection. Both procedures are essential in maintaining the integrity and health of baby teeth, helping children chew, speak, and smile confidently.
A pulpectomy is typically recommended when a child experiences persistent tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling caused by deep decay or trauma. The infection may have reached the root canal system, leading to inflammation and discomfort.
Other signs that may indicate the need for a pulpectomy include:
- Severe toothache that disturbs eating or sleeping.
- Swelling or redness around the affected tooth.
- Abscess formation or pus discharge.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods.
Timely intervention is crucial. If left untreated, the infection can spread to developing permanent teeth, jawbone, or gums, resulting in more complex dental issues later in life
Before the procedure, our dentist will carry out a complete examination and take X-rays to assess the extent of infection. Local anaesthesia is administered to ensure the procedure is entirely pain-free.
Once the area is numb, the dentist will remove the infected pulp from the tooth’s crown and root canals. The canals are then cleaned, disinfected, and filled with a biocompatible resorbable material. Finally, the tooth is sealed and often restored with a dental crown to protect it from further damage.
After treatment, mild tenderness may occur for a few days as the area heals. This can easily be managed with pain relief medication if needed. Children can usually resume normal activities the same day.
In many cases, pulpectomy can be avoided through good oral hygiene and early dental care. Encourage your child to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Limiting sugary foods and snacks between meals can significantly reduce the risk of decay.
Regular dental visits are essential to catch cavities before they progress to the pulp. Fluoride treatments and dental sealants can further strengthen children’s teeth and prevent decay.
At Brisbane Emergency Dentist, we strongly emphasise preventive dental care to help families avoid invasive treatments through early detection and professional cleanings.
Whenever possible, our dentists recommend saving a natural tooth through pulpectomy rather than extraction. Extracting a baby tooth too early can disrupt the alignment of permanent teeth and affect speech and chewing patterns.
However, in cases where the infection has caused extensive damage or weakened the tooth structure beyond repair, extraction may be the only viable option. After extraction, we may recommend a space maintainer to ensure proper alignment and allow permanent teeth to erupt correctly.
If you’ve Pulpectomy, act fast. Contact Brisbane Emergency Dentist right now for same-day treatment and expert reimplantation. Your quick action could save your smile.