Baby Root Canals (Pulpotomy)

The term "root canal" often sounds scary to adults, but in pediatric dentistry, it is a very different experience. A Baby Root Canal (technically called a Pulpotomy) is a common, gentle, and much simpler procedure than the adult version.

When a cavity gets very deep, it can touch the "pulp" (the nerve and blood vessels) inside the tooth. This causes toothaches, sensitivity to hot and cold, or even waking up at night in pain. If left untreated, the bacteria can cause a serious infection or abscess. A pulpotomy allows us to remove the infection while keeping the tooth alive and functioning.

Why Not Just Pull the Tooth?

Many parents ask, "Since it's a baby tooth, why don't we just extract it?" Baby molars are critical placeholders. They hold the space open for permanent teeth that may not erupt until age 10, 11, or 12. If a baby molar is pulled too early, the surrounding teeth can drift into the gap, blocking the permanent tooth and leading to severe crowding or the need for complex orthodontics later.

Saving the tooth is usually the best, most natural "space maintainer."

The Procedure: Fast & Relieving

A pulpotomy is often described as a "deep filling."

• Numbing: We use local anesthesia to ensure the tooth is completely asleep. Your child will feel no pain.
• Removal: Dr. Jumani removes the decay and the infected part of the nerve (only the top part in the crown of the tooth).
• Medication: The healthy nerve tissue in the roots is left untouched. We place a soothing medication over the roots to calm the nerve and prevent bacteria from returning.
• Protection: Because the tooth has been hollowed out, it is now fragile. We place a strong Crown (Zirconia or Stainless Steel) over it to seal it and prevent it from breaking.