If you’re like most parents, the words “pulpectomy” and “pulpotomy” are foreign to you. As the clinical terms to explain a root canal for kids in Katy, pediatric dentists perform these unique procedures when a child experiences severe decay or damage that cannot be treated using other restorative solutions. While learning your child must undergo this process isn’t the most comforting news, the truth is that a skilled dental professional will go to great lengths to ensure your child’s health and safety. Read on to learn more about these individual procedures and why it’s important to help your little one maintain a healthy smile until it’s time for permanent teeth to erupt.
Pulpotomy vs. Pulpectomy: What is the Difference?
While the two procedures sound similar and work to achieve the same goal, they are actually quite different, and here’s how:
- A pulpotomy in Katy focuses on removing the infected pulp located inside the crown of the tooth. A pediatric dentist will remove it so as to prevent the infection from spreading further into the tooth’s layers. The pulp that exists within the root canal remains untouched. This type of procedure occurs primarily on baby teeth and only when a dentist learns the child is suffering from tooth sensitivity or “pulpitis,” which is pulp inflammation caused by cavities affecting the tooth’s pulp.
- A pulpectomy focuses on the infected or damaged pulp inside the root canal area of the tooth. By removing it, a pediatric dentist can more readily prevent tooth extraction, which is always a last resort. Because infections caused by untreated cavities can reach the innermost layer of a tooth, they tend to cause intense pain. A pulpectomy in Katy can provide much-needed relief to young patients.
How to Keep Your Child From Needing a Root Canal
No parent wants to learn their child needs a root canal; however, if it is to save an infected tooth that might otherwise be extracted, it’s best to move forward with the procedure. Of course, it’s far better to take the necessary steps to avoid them altogether if possible. You can do this by:
- Making sure your child continues to see their pediatric dentist every six months for regular dental checkups and cleanings.
- Overseeing their morning and nighttime oral hygiene routines to ensure they are brushing and flossing correctly. If you suspect your child’s teeth are not as clean as they should be, provide assistance.
- Limiting their intake of sugar and starch, as both can lead to cavities and tooth decay.
Knowing how to take proper care of your child’s teeth as well as sharing the importance of good oral health with your children can ensure healthier smiles and fewer visits to the dentist’s office.
About the Author
As a board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Adeel Khan understands that children need additional help and encouragement when it comes to oral hygiene. When infections develop that result in complex dental procedures, he works closely with parents to develop a plan that not only eliminates symptoms of pain and discomfort but also improves the child’s oral health. If you learn your child needs a root canal, visit our website or call (832) 789-8348 to learn which procedure is necessary for your little one.