Pulpotomy / Pulpectomy (Root Canal for Milk Teeth)
Pulpotomy and pulpectomy are common pediatric dental procedures performed to treat infected or damaged pulp tissue in primary (milk) teeth while preserving the tooth until it naturally exfoliates. Milk teeth play a crucial role in maintaining space for permanent teeth, supporting proper chewing, speech development, and facial growth. When decay or trauma affects the pulp, timely intervention helps prevent pain, infection, and premature tooth loss.
A pulpotomy is indicated when the infection or inflammation is limited to the coronal portion of the pulp. In this procedure, the infected pulp tissue from the crown of the tooth is removed, while the healthy pulp in the roots is preserved. A medicated dressing is placed to promote healing, followed by a suitable restoration, often a stainless steel crown, to protect the tooth. Pulpotomy is commonly recommended for vital primary teeth with deep caries but no signs of root infection.
A pulpectomy, often referred to as a root canal treatment for milk teeth, is performed when the pulp infection extends into the root canals. The entire pulp tissue from both the crown and roots is removed, and the canals are thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and filled with a resorbable material compatible with the natural shedding process of primary teeth. This procedure eliminates infection and allows the tooth to remain functional until it is replaced by a permanent tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Early loss can affect speech, chewing, and permanent tooth alignment.
No — done under local anesthesia with child-friendly instruments.
Usually completed in one visit (30–45 minutes).
A stainless-steel or zirconia crown to protect the treated tooth.
Rare, with proper restoration and oral hygiene.
Until it naturally exfoliates (falls out) at the right age.