2479 Oakmont Way, Eugene, OR 97401
Saving Teeth When Decay Reaches the Nerve
When a cavity is left untreated for too long, decay can spread past the outer layers of the tooth and reach the inner pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels are located. Once decay reaches this point, a simple filling is no longer enough to treat the tooth, and your child may begin experiencing pain, sensitivity, or swelling.
Pulp therapy, often performed as a procedure called a pulpotomy, is designed to treat this exact situation. Rather than removing the tooth entirely, this procedure removes the infected portion of the pulp while preserving the healthy structure that remains, allowing the tooth to stay in place and continue functioning normally until it is naturally ready to fall out.
At Oakmont Kids, we prioritize saving a child's natural tooth whenever it is a safe and healthy option, and pulp therapy is often the best way to relieve pain while avoiding an unnecessary extraction.
Ask About Pulp Therapy
What Is Pulp Therapy?
Pulp therapy, most commonly performed as a pulpotomy, is a treatment used to remove infected or inflamed pulp tissue from the crown portion of a tooth while leaving the healthy pulp in the root intact. This differs slightly from a traditional adult root canal, which typically removes the entire pulp from both the crown and the root. Because baby teeth have a different structure and will eventually be replaced by permanent teeth, a more conservative approach is often sufficient to relieve pain and stop the spread of infection.
Once the infected tissue is removed, a medicated material is placed inside the tooth to protect the remaining healthy pulp and prevent further infection. The tooth is then typically restored with a crown to provide long-term strength and protection, since a tooth that has undergone pulp therapy is often more fragile than a healthy tooth.
This approach allows children to keep their natural tooth in place, supporting proper chewing, speech, and space for permanent teeth to develop correctly.
Signs Your Child May Need Pulp Therapy
It is not always obvious when decay has reached the inner pulp of a tooth, which is why regular dental exams play an important role in catching these issues early. Signs that may indicate your child needs pulp therapy include:
- Persistent tooth pain, especially when chewing or biting down
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the sensation has passed
- Visible swelling in the gums near a specific tooth
- A tooth that appears darker or discolored compared to surrounding teeth
- A cavity that has progressed significantly since the last dental visit
If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, scheduling an exam promptly can help us determine the best course of treatment before the situation worsens.
The Pulp Therapy Treatment Process
Pulp therapy is a detailed procedure, but our team works carefully to keep your child comfortable throughout every stage. The full procedure is typically completed in a single visit, allowing your child to return to their normal activities the same day.
01.
Numbing the Area
A local anesthetic is applied to ensure your child feels no pain during treatment.
02.
Removing Decay
The decayed portion of the tooth is carefully removed to access the infected pulp.
03.
Removing Infected Pulp Tissue
The infected pulp in the crown of the tooth is gently removed.
04.
Applying Medication
A medicated material is placed inside the tooth to protect the remaining healthy pulp and prevent further infection.
05.
Sealing the Tooth
The tooth is sealed with a filling material to protect the treated area.
06.
Placing a Crown
In most cases, a crown is placed over the tooth to restore strength and protect it from further damage.
Who Is a Candidate for Pulp Therapy?
Pulp therapy is generally recommended for children who have:
- A baby tooth with decay that has reached the pulp but still has a healthy root structure
- Persistent tooth pain or sensitivity linked to a specific tooth
- Enough remaining tooth structure to support a crown after treatment
- A tooth with a good chance of remaining functional until it naturally falls out
In situations where the infection has spread too far into the root, or the tooth is close to naturally falling out on its own, an extraction may be recommended instead. We will always explain our reasoning clearly so you understand the best option for your child.
Why Prompt Treatment Matters
Delaying treatment for a tooth with pulp involvement can allow the infection to spread further, potentially affecting surrounding teeth, gum tissue, or even leading to a more painful and complex situation for your child. In some cases, untreated infection can also affect the development of the permanent tooth forming beneath the baby tooth.
Addressing the issue promptly with pulp therapy not only relieves your child's discomfort but also helps protect their broader oral health as they continue to grow. Catching these issues early, often through routine exams, gives us the best opportunity to treat the tooth conservatively and avoid more invasive treatment down the road.
Our team is always available to answer questions and help you understand the urgency of treatment based on your child's specific situation.
Relieve Your Child's Tooth Pain and Save Their Smile
If your child is showing signs of tooth pain or infection, pulp therapy may be the solution to save their natural tooth. Schedule an appointment with Oakmont Kids today.
Request an Appointment