Pediatric Pulpotomy (Baby Root Canal)

Saving Baby Teeth with Gentle Restorative Care

A pulpotomy, often called a baby root canal, is a common pediatric dental procedure used to save a baby tooth affected by deep decay or infection. At Smiling Faces Pediatric Dentistry, we provide gentle pulpotomy treatment for children in Oklahoma City and Midwest City to relieve discomfort, preserve natural teeth, and support healthy oral development.

What Is a Pulpotomy?

A pulpotomy is a procedure performed on infected baby teeth. An infection can occur when a cavity creates a pit in the outer layer of the tooth and attacks the pulp inside. This causes pain, and can even lead to loss of the tooth. A pulpotomy is a procedure wherein the dentist removes the infected pulp and treats the inside of the tooth to remove the infection. After this, the dentist places a crown on the tooth (or even a filling) to protect the tooth and remaining pulp.

Pulpotomy vs. Root Canal

A pulpotomy is designed specifically for baby teeth and removes only the infected portion of the pulp while preserving healthy tissue. A traditional root canal removes all of the pulp from a permanent tooth. Preserving healthy pulp in baby teeth helps maintain normal tooth development and supports proper eruption of permanent teeth.

Signs Your Child May Need a Root Canal

A pulpotomy may be recommended if your child has persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, swelling around a tooth, deep cavities, or visible damage caused by trauma. Prompt treatment helps relieve discomfort, stop infection from spreading, and preserve the affected baby tooth whenever possible.

What Happens After a Pulpotomy?

Most children recover quickly following a pulpotomy and can return to normal activities the same day. Because the treated tooth is often restored with a stainless steel crown, it remains protected while continuing to function normally until it is naturally replaced by the permanent tooth.

Schedule a Pulpotomy Consultation with Smiling Faces

If your child has a persistent toothache or deep cavity, our experienced pediatric dentists can determine whether a pulpotomy is the right treatment. Contact Smiling Faces Pediatric Dentistry today to schedule an appointment at our Oklahoma City or Midwest City office.