BRENT CAPLE PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY IN ROGERS, AR
Pediatric Pulp Therapy
What is Pediatric Pulp Therapy?
Pediatric pulp therapy, also known as nerve treatment or a baby root canal, is a common dental procedure designed to save infected or damaged primary (baby) teeth in children. It helps preserve the tooth until it naturally falls out, preventing potential spacing issues for permanent teeth.
Understanding Tooth Pulp
Every tooth has a soft inner core called the pulp, which contains:
Nerves
Blood vessels
Connective tissue
The pulp nourishes the tooth during development and allows it to sense temperature and pressure. In baby teeth, the pulp chamber is larger, making it more vulnerable to infection from deep cavities or trauma.
When decay or injury exposes or infects the pulp, it can cause significant pain, swelling, and inflammation. Without treatment, the infection may spread, leading to abscesses or early tooth loss.
Types of Pediatric Pulp Therapy?
There are two main types of pediatric pulp therapy, depending on the extent of the infection: a pulpotomy or a pulpectomy. Both procedures have shown high success rates of around 94% or more over several years in a study published by PubMed.
Pulpotomy (Partial Pulp Removal)
A pulpotomy is employed when only part of the pulp of a tooth is infected and involves removing that infected pulp and preserving the nerve and remaining pulp. During this procedure, Dr. Caple will give the child a local anesthetic, wait for the area to numb, and begin by removing the infected pulp. After the infected portion is gone, Dr. Caple treats the remaining healthy pulp with a medicated material, and seals the tooth (often with a stainless steel crown). The crown strengthens the tooth and reduces fracture risk in the future.
Pulpectomy (Full Pulp Removal)
A pulpectomy also requires a local anesthetic to ensure the child is comfortable during the procedure. After the child’s mouth is numbed, Dr. Caple removes all of the pulp tissue from both the crown and roots, and cleanses the area to ensure all of the bacteria is removed. Then, it is filled with a resorbable material and the tooth is sealed with a crown (often with a stainless steel crown). This is similar to an adult root canal but adapted for baby teeth.
When Might Your Child Need Pulp Therapy?
Common signs a child may need pulp therapy include:
Severe toothache or sensitivity to hot/cold
Swelling around the tooth or gums
Pain while chewing
Discoloration of the tooth
Early detection through routine cleanings and exams is essential, as dental infections don’t always show symptoms right away. If your child is experiencing any of these warning signs, or if something just doesn’t seem right, don’t wait to seek care.
Call our office today or schedule an appointment online to have your child evaluated for pediatric pulp therapy. Dr. Caple and our compassionate team are here to relieve your child’s discomfort and protect their smile, helping keep their teeth healthy and strong for years to come.
Why Is Pulp Therapy Important for Children?
Preserves baby teeth: Baby teeth, among many things, act as placeholders, guiding permanent teeth into proper alignment and preventing crowding or bite problems.
Relieves pain: Quickly alleviates discomfort from infection.
Avoids extraction: Early removal or loss of baby teeth can cause shifting, leading to future orthodontic needs.
Supports overall oral health: Maintains chewing function, speech development, and confidence.
Pulp therapy is especially recommended for young children to keep primary teeth healthy until they fall out naturally (usually between ages 6–12).
To schedule an appointment at the office of Brent Caple, DDS, pediatric dentist serving Northwest Arkansas, request an appointment online or call our office today.