Pulpotomy helps to save a tooth that is damaged and suffers from Severe Pulpitis. The dentist will first numb the tooth, so you don’t feel any pain. A small rubber sheet is placed around the tooth to keep it clean and dry. The dentist removes the top part of the nerve that is inflamed but leaves the healthy part in the root canals.
If the nerve in the root canals does not look healthy, the dentist may have to carry out a root canal treatment instead. After it is clean and the bleeding inside the tooth stops, the dentist seals the tooth and puts in a filling. The treatment usually takes only one visit of 60 to 90 minutes. Depending on how badly damaged the tooth is, your dentist might suggest that a crown is placed to protect the tooth for the future.
How well does this treatment work?
Pulpotomy works really well for Severe Pulpitis. Studies show that after one year, 98% of treated teeth are pain-free and still work well. Even after five years, about 78% of teeth treated with a pulpotomy are still healthy and functioning, which means almost 8 out of 10 teeth are saved long-term.
Benefits:
- Relieves pain and prevents further damage or infection
- Saves the tooth
- Keeps the healthy part of the nerve intact
Risks:
- During treatment, the nerve may be too inflamed for the procedure to be successful. The dentist would then inform you the tooth requires a root canal treatment.
- In the short-term, you may experience pain and soreness after treatment. In some cases, the treatment may not always work.
- In the long-term, the treatment may fail (infection develops) and the tooth or root may break.
What next?
This procedure usually takes one visit. Your dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment to check on your progress and ensure the tooth is healing well. After the pulpotomy, the tooth is often weaker. To protect it, your dentist may recommend placing a crown or a filling to restore the tooth’s strength and function. If the treatment fails, root canal treatment or tooth removal may be required.
