Saving Damaged Primary Teeth With Pulpectomies
What Is a Pulpectomy?
Pulpectomies are safe, effective procedures to restore health to a severely damaged tooth by addressing decay, infection, or trauma that has reached the pulp. During a pulpectomy, a dental professional removes the pulp from all parts of the damaged tooth, from the crown to the roots. Pulpectomies are typically performed on primary teeth that are no longer alive. The goal of a pulpectomy is to save the tooth and protect the root canal from further infection.
Pulpectomy Versus Root Canal
In a root canal procedure, once the diseased pulp has been cleared away from the inside of the tooth, the root system is cleaned, shaped, filled, and sealed. Pulpectomies consist of the following steps, performed in a single visit:
- X-rays are taken to check the shape of the root canals and look for signs of infection in the surrounding areas.
- The area is numbed with a local anesthetic.
- A hole is drilled into the tooth.
- Small dental instruments are used to remove the pulp from the crown and root canals.
- The tooth is cleaned, disinfected, and prepared for filling.
- The tooth is filled with a material that can be reabsorbed by the body, or a temporary dressing for an adult tooth.
Why Is It So Important to Save a Baby Tooth?
Baby teeth might be temporary, but they serve several important functions that make them worth saving. They help with speech development, hold the place for the adult teeth that will replace them, and obviously help with chewing food. Call (905) 896-3622 or or email us if you have any questions about this procedure.