Pediatric Pulp Therapy (Baby Tooth Root Canals)

Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that help keep the tooth healthy and alive. When deep decay or trauma reaches the pulp, it can cause inflammation, infection, or significant pain. In these cases, pulp therapy may be needed to treat the damage and save the tooth.

At Bright Healthy Smiles, our goal is always to restore your child’s comfort and preserve the natural tooth whenever possible. Pulp therapy is a safe and effective way to do just that—keeping your child’s smile healthy while avoiding early tooth loss.

When Is Pulp Therapy Needed?

Pulp therapy may be recommended if your child:

• Has a deep cavity that has reached the pulp
• Experiences spontaneous or lingering tooth pain
• Has a dental injury that affects the inner part of the tooth
• Shows signs of infection, such as swelling or sensitivity

Types of Pediatric Pulp Treatments

After a thorough exam and dental X-rays, your pediatric dentist will determine which type of treatment is appropriate. The two most common pulp procedures include:

• Pulpotomy: This involves removing the inflamed or infected pulp tissue in the crown (top) portion of the tooth while leaving the healthy root pulp intact. A medicated material is placed to soothe the remaining pulp, followed by a crown to protect the tooth.
• Pulpectomy: If the entire pulp—including the tissue in the roots—has been affected, a pulpectomy may be needed. This procedure involves removing all the pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the canals, and filling them with a child-safe material before placing a crown.

What Happens After Pulp Therapy?

After treatment, we place a final restoration, often a crown, to protect the tooth and allow it to function normally until it naturally falls out when the time is right. Our team takes every step to make the process as gentle and comfortable as possible for your child.