When the nerve of a primary tooth becomes infected or abscessed, a pulpotomy or pulpectomy is necessary to save the tooth. During a pulpotomy the infected part of the nerve is removed and a sedative medication is placed inside the tooth to prevent sensitivity and to promote healing. A pulpectomy requires the total removal of the nerve.(In permanent teeth this is referred to as Root Canal Therapy).

A tooth may become abscessed from deep decay, a cracked or broken tooth, or trauma. The only alternative to Pulp Therapy is an extraction.

After the primary tooth has undergone Pulp Therapy it is more brittle and must be crowned to give the tooth strength for chewing pressure. Brush and floss the tooth the same as the other teeth and visit your pediatric dentist regularly for preventive check-ups.