Cavities or dental injuries can sometimes reach the inside of a tooth where the nerve and blood supply are located. When this happens, children may experience discomfort, sensitivity, or signs of infection. At San Marcos Kids Dentistry, we provide gentle pulp therapy to help relieve pain, control infection, and protect your child’s tooth so it can continue functioning normally.
What Is Dental Pulp?
Dental pulp is the vital, soft tissue found inside the center of each tooth. It contains:
- Nerves
- Blood vessels
- Connective tissue
This tissue helps nourish the tooth and plays an important role in tooth development and sensation. In children, pulp health is especially important because young permanent teeth may still have developing roots. Poor oral hygiene, tooth decay, or physical trauma can damage the pulp and increase the risk of infection or long-term complications.
What Are Signs Your Child May Need Pulp Therapy?
When a tooth’s pulp is compromised due to injury or decay, it can become inflamed or infected. This may cause symptoms such as:
- Persistent or unexplained tooth pain
- Pain that becomes worse at night
- Sensitivity to temperature changes in foods and beverages
- Swelling near the affected tooth
If your child shows any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional dental care promptly. Early treatment can help protect the tooth and reduce discomfort.
What Is Pulp Therapy and How Does It Work?
Pulp therapy is a treatment used when the pulp is damaged, but the tooth can still be saved. One of the most common pediatric procedures is a pulpotomy, which is designed to treat the affected portion of the pulp while preserving the healthy portion.
During a pulpotomy, Dr. Shafiei removes the compromised pulp tissue from the tooth while keeping the remaining healthy pulp and root vitality intact. This helps maintain the tooth’s structure and function.
After the affected pulp tissue is removed, a medicinal dressing is placed inside the tooth to:
- Help stop bacterial growth
- Calm and soothe the nerves
- Reduce the risk of further infection
To finish the treatment, a dental crown is often placed to reinforce the tooth and protect it from future damage. This is especially important when decay has weakened the tooth or when long-term durability is needed.
Pulp therapy can be effective for both primary (baby) teeth and young permanent teeth, supporting the tooth’s preservation and helping your child maintain a healthy bite and comfortable function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Parents often have questions when their child needs treatment involving the nerve of a tooth. These answers help explain what to expect and how we protect your child’s comfort and oral health.
Is Pulp Therapy the Same as a Root Canal?
No. Pediatric pulp therapy is different from adult root canal treatment. In children, the goal is to remove infected tissue while preserving healthy pulp so the tooth can continue developing normally.
Will My Child Be in Pain During or After Treatment?
We take every step to keep treatment comfortable. Local anesthesia is used during the procedure, and many children feel relief afterward because the source of pain or infection has been treated.
Can a Baby Tooth Really Be Saved After Nerve Treatment?
Yes. Preserving baby teeth is important because they help guide permanent teeth into proper position and support normal chewing and speech development.
How Long Does Pulp Therapy Take?
Most pulp therapy procedures can be completed in a single visit. Treatment time depends on the tooth involved and your child’s comfort level, but appointments are typically efficient.
What Happens If Pulp Therapy Is Not Done?
If infected pulp is left untreated, it can lead to increased pain, swelling, or infection that may affect surrounding teeth and bone. Early treatment helps prevent more serious complications.
