Vital Pulp Therapy Can Save Your Child’s Tooth
What Is Vital Pulp Therapy?
Vital pulp therapy, or pulpotomy — sometimes referred to as a "baby root canal" — is intended to preserve healthy pulp tissue within the root of a tooth when decay has affected the crown. The procedure is most commonly indicated for children with pulpitis, a condition in which the pulp becomes inflamed as a result of infection. During treatment, the diseased pulp is removed from the crown portion of the tooth, and a medicated material is placed there to protect the remaining healthy pulp in the root canals. This approach is appropriate only when the affected tooth shows no signs of abscess or surrounding swelling and remains firmly in place.
Why Not Pull the Tooth?
Although extraction becomes necessary when decay is too extensive, preserving a tooth is generally the preferred approach whenever feasible, including primary teeth. Baby teeth serve meaningful roles beyond their temporary nature: they hold space for the permanent teeth that will follow, and they support a child’s ability to chew and speak properly. Compared to full root canal therapy, vital pulp therapy offers a less invasive and more cost-effective path to retaining a tooth. The procedure can address tooth pain and help prevent decay from progressing further.
How First Choice Dental of NJ Can Help
If your child is experiencing tooth pain, contact First Choice Dental of NJ right away. Dr. Donn will examine the tooth and determine what type of treatment will be the best option. Call us at 856-424-7477 or send us an email.