Given the changing nature of Pediatric Pulp Therapy, including the introduction of new methods as well as the return of old ones, the purpose of pulp therapy for a primary tooth remains the same—to treat, restore and save the affected tooth. Even so, there are vital components regarding the form of therapy used, as accurate diagnosis is critically important to obtain a successful outcome. Additionally, long-term success is based upon preventing leakage after therapy is provided. While some may question why pulp therapy is considered for primary teeth that will fall out, dentists emphasize the importance of primary teeth in speech development, healthy eating habits and for the accurate placement of permanent teeth. With this in mind, it’s easy to see why pediatric pulp therapy is an investment into a child’s oral health.

If you’re a parent, you may wonder how you will know if the pulp of your child’s tooth is infected. While the only way to know for sure is to visit a dentist, there are a few things to look out for. As an example, if your child complains of pain in their tooth at night, or unexplained pain during the day, it’s a good idea to call the dentist. In turn, if your child experiences tooth sensitivity to foods or beverages, it’s wise to let the dentist know. Though you cannot visibly see the pulp of your child’s tooth, you might recognize redness or swelling in the tissues around the affected tooth. You may also notice that gums are receding or pulling away from the tooth.

In determining the type of pulp therapy for your child, dentists usually rely on two common approaches—pulpotomy or pulpectomy. For primary teeth, pulpotomy continues to be the most widely used treatment, particularly in instances where decay or a cavity is positioned closely to the tooth’s pulp. There are several ways to perform this type of therapy, and Indirect Pulp Therapy (IPT) is coming back around as a viable option as well. Also known as Indirect Pulp Capping, this is one of several techniques that can be used successfully for primary teeth in need of a pulpotomy. On the other hand, a pulpectomy is a full root canal, and involves complete removal of the tooth’s root. For the most part, this might be suggested for a tooth with heavy decay or severe trauma.

Treatment Options To Suit Your Child

Families are a vital part of our practice at Marvin Village Dentistry! That’s why we make every effort to provide a range of treatment options to suit your child. If your little one is experiencing symptoms of an infection in their tooth, or if they have suffered trauma, Dr. Walford and the team are fully equipped to provide guidance and treatment that will put you at ease. Call today!

Posted on behalf of Marvin Village Dentistry