It can be overwhelming to learn that your child’s toothache is the symptom of an infected or damaged tooth that requires more advanced treatment. If your pediatric dentist has determined that pulp therapy is necessary, it can be difficult to understand the difference between a pulpotomy and a root canal.
Although both are children’s dental procedures designed to address infected or damaged teeth, they differ in what each can treat effectively. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between these two procedures and how your pediatric dentist might determine which can offer your child the best treatment outcome!
Children are particularly vulnerable to tooth decay, primarily due to the thinner enamel on their baby teeth, inconsistent oral hygiene, and more frequent snacking. If a cavity becomes deep enough to reach the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth, it can cause pain and sensitivity, and lead to infection.
The pulp inside a tooth contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that support the tooth and maintain its health. When decay or trauma damages this inner layer, pediatric pulp therapy can be necessary to save the tooth and prevent other dental health issues.
A pulpotomy, which is also called a “baby root canal”, is most commonly performed on primary teeth that have deep cavities, but healthy pulp tissue still present in the tooth’s roots. It’s a less invasive treatment compared to a complete root canal, and it preserves the tooth until it falls out naturally.
Tooth preservation is crucial in children because primary teeth play a vital role in chewing, speech development, and maintaining proper alignment for their permanent adult teeth. Extracting a baby tooth too early can cause other teeth to shift, leading to dental health issues later in life.
A pulpotomy begins with a thorough examination and digital x-rays to assess the extent of decay and the health of the pulp tissue. If the root pulp appears healthy and the infection is confined to the upper part of the tooth, your pediatric dentist might recommend a pulpotomy.
After numbing the area with a local anesthetic, the decayed portion of the tooth, along with the affected top part of the pulp chamber, is removed. This leaves the healthy root pulp intact, allowing it to continue supporting the tooth.
Next, the exposed pulp is treated with a medicated dressing made of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) to prevent further bacterial growth and promote healing. The tooth is then sealed with a durable crown to fully restore the tooth’s strength and function.
In contrast, a root canal, also known as a pulpectomy, is a more comprehensive procedure. It involves the complete removal of root pulp tissue, followed by thorough cleaning of the canals, which are filled with a biocompatible material and covered with a crown.
The best treatment for your child depends on several factors, including your child’s age, the extent of the decay, the presence of infection, and the condition of the tooth roots.
Because it’s less invasive and quicker to perform, a pulpotomy is usually the first choice for young children. It also carries a lower risk of post-treatment complications, making it a more comfortable, less traumatic experience for both children and their parents.
If the infection has spread to the root canals or caused an abscess, a root canal may be necessary to save the tooth. By completely removing infected tooth pulp, it can be the only option that can prevent the spread of bacteria and decay to other parts of the mouth and developing adult teeth.
One of the reasons pulpotomies are preferable for children is that they typically have a relatively short and smooth recovery period. Most children experience only mild discomfort for a day or two, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter children’s pain relievers.
While there may be some initial tenderness while chewing, this usually resolves quickly. Once a crown has been placed over the affected tooth, children can return to their regular eating habits almost immediately without the worry of further tooth damage.
A root canal often has a slightly longer recovery period due to its more invasive nature. However, children generally recover well and resume normal activities within a few days if post-treatment care instructions are followed carefully.
Pulpotomies are among the most successful dental procedures for treating children’s infected or damaged teeth. Studies show high success rates, especially when the procedure is performed early and is followed by proper restoration with a crown.
The success rate for root canals is also high, although slightly lower than that of pulpotomies because they are typically performed on teeth that are more severely damaged.
Understanding the distinction between a pulpotomy and root canal can help you to feel informed if you’ve been told your child needs pulp therapy to save a tooth. When faced with an infected or damaged tooth, you can feel confident that your child’s pediatric dentist will recommend the best dental procedure to protect your child’s smile.
Is your child experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity? Schedule an appointment at Premier Pediatric Dentistry in Miami, FL, today!
