What is Pulp Therapy?

Pediatric Service and Pulp Therapy

Kids Dental provides full service dentistry near Broken Arrow OK and Tulsa OK including pulpectomy, pulpotomy, and pulp therapy to treat pulp injury and disease. Pulpectomy is a process that can help to save natural teeth and relieve pain.

The Facts About Tooth Pulp

The teeth are made up of layers, some you can see, some you cannot see. The pulp is the “heart of the tooth” and is covered by enamel. You can not visually inspect the pulp. When there is an infection or trauma to the tooth, often the pulp of the tooth is at risk. There are some signs that your child may have something more serious than a surface cavity if they are experiencing any of the following:

  • Swelling around the tooth
  • Nighttime tooth pain
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold foods
  • Painful chewing
  • Constant tooth pain

Of course, if your child is complaining of tooth pain it is important that you schedule their visit as soon as possible. Mouth pain can be unbearable at any age.

Why This Procedure Is Valuable

Typically, one of two things can be done once the pulp becomes infected, a root canal or the tooth will have to be pulled. Children losing a tooth prematurely to extraction can open up a wide range of future problems. When a tooth is pulled it leaves a gap that forming teeth will try to fill. The teeth can become misaligned. Other issues include bone loss in the region of the extraction and of course there is always the potential for complications like infection with an extraction. Saving the tooth is the preferred method for children. Even if it is a baby tooth that will eventually fall out it is important that the tooth stays healthy! Contact us today to learn more about this tooth saving procedure!