Pulpotomies in San Angelo, TX

What Is a Pulpotomy and When Is It Needed?

A pulpotomy is a common pediatric dental procedure used to treat a baby tooth that has been affected by deep decay or trauma but still has healthy root tissue. Sometimes referred to as a “baby tooth root canal,” this treatment preserves the remaining tooth structure and avoids the need for early extraction.

If your child has been experiencing:

• Persistent toothache
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Swelling or tenderness around a tooth

...they may need a pulpotomy. At Pediatric Dentistry of San Angelo, our goal is always to save the tooth whenever possible and keep your child’s smile healthy and functional.

By treating the infected or inflamed pulp early, we help:

• Eliminate pain and infection
• Maintain the spacing needed for adult teeth
• Avoid more invasive dental procedures later on

How We Perform Pulpotomies at Pediatric Dentistry of San Angelo

At our San Angelo office, pulpotomies are performed with your child’s comfort in mind. Our experienced pediatric dentists, Dr. McNair and Dr. Hanks, are known for creating a calm and reassuring environment that helps children feel safe during treatment.

What to Expect During a Pulpotomy:

1. Diagnosis: Using digital X-rays, we assess the extent of the decay and determine if a pulpotomy is needed.
2. Anesthesia: We gently numb the area to ensure your child is comfortable.
3. Removal of Affected Pulp: The infected part of the tooth's pulp is carefully removed from the crown portion.
4. Medication and Restoration: A therapeutic dressing is applied to preserve the remaining pulp in the roots. The tooth is then sealed with a dental crown to protect and strengthen it.

We often combine this treatment with sedation dentistry for children who may be anxious, making the visit easier and more relaxing.

Why Choose Our San Angelo Pediatric Dentists for Pulpotomies?

At Pediatric Dentistry of San Angelo, our team specializes in restorative care for children. Pulpotomies are part of our broader restorative dentistry services, which are tailored to meet the unique dental needs of kids from San Angelo, Grape Creek, Carlsbad, and Goodfellow Air Force Base.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Pediatric Expertise: Dr. McNair and Dr. Hanks focuses exclusively on pediatric dental care, making them highly skilled in treating young smiles.
• Positive Patient Experiences: Parents often praise our team for providing gentle, thorough care and creating a welcoming, child-focused environment. See what families say on our patient testimonials page.
• Conservative Approach: We always aim to preserve the natural tooth when possible.
• Affordable Options: For families without insurance, our membership plan offers exclusive pricing and preventive care benefits.

If your child has a painful or infected tooth, don’t delay treatment. Pulpotomies can prevent tooth loss and protect your child’s long-term oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pulpotomies

What is the difference between a pulpotomy and a root canal?

A pulpotomy is less invasive than a root canal. It removes only the diseased pulp in the crown of a baby tooth, while a root canal involves cleaning and treating the entire root system. Pulpotomies are commonly used for children with baby teeth.

Is a pulpotomy painful for kids?

Not at all. With local anesthesia and optional sedation options, most children don’t feel anything during the procedure. Our gentle approach keeps discomfort to a minimum.

Will my child need a crown after a pulpotomy?

Yes. After a pulpotomy, the treated tooth is typically covered with a dental crown to protect it from further damage and restore normal function.

How long does a pulpotomy take?

Most pulpotomies take about 30–45 minutes and can be completed in a single visit.

Is this covered by insurance?

Many dental insurance plans cover pulpotomies as part of pediatric restorative care. We also offer flexible payment options and our own membership plan for uninsured families.

For more answers, visit our FAQs page.