What is pulp treatment?
There is a chamber inside every tooth which is occupied by the dental pulp. Dental pulp is connective tissue inside the tooth comprising of blood vessels and nerves. If dental decay involves the pulp, then it becomes necessary to treat the pulp. During this procedure, the diseased pulp is removed along with dental decay, root canals shaped and filled with appropriate filling material.
Why does my child need pulp treatment on a baby tooth?
If there is involvement of the pulp by tooth decay then pulp treatment is necessary even in baby teeth. The infected pulp can cause pain, swelling of gums and be a cause of discomfort for your child. After complete pulp treatment, your child may be able to use the baby tooth for normal functions such as chewing.
How do I know that my child needs pulp treatment?
The symptoms which suggest requirement of pulp treatment are: a tooth constantly aches or throbs, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, pain on chewing or touching the tooth, an increase in pain or pressure at night, swelling in the jaw or cheek , a bump or pimple on gums above or below the tooth, radiographic evidence of infection or abscess.
What are the kinds of pulp treatment?
For baby teeth, there are two types of pulp treatment- pulpotomy (where only a portion of the pulp is removed) and pulpectomy (where entire pulp is removed). Ask you pediatric dentist which pulp treatment is suitable for your child.
Does pulp treatment hurt?
Some children may experience mild discomfort during the initial appointment. But this is made relatively painless by use of local anesthesia.
What happens after pulp treatment is completed?
After the pulp treatment is completed, the coronal or top portion of the tooth has to be restored. A stainless steel crown should be put after the treatment to protect the tooth against fracture and re-infection.
Should I prefer extraction over pulp treatment?
Extraction is not advisable if tooth can be treated by pulp treatment. Extraction much before the eruption time of permanent tooth can cause space loss leading to decrease in adequate space for permanent tooth. Also baby tooth is required for normal functions such as chewing etc.
CDC Gurgaon is the first branch of Children’s Dental Center in India. It’s aim is to achieve good dental health for your child through clinical expertise, compassion, understanding and education. It strives to build a strong relationship with child patients based on tender, love and care.
