Pulpotomy and Pulpectomy in Walnut Creek, CA

When a baby tooth develops a deep cavity, kids in Walnut Creek often start complaining about tooth pain at night or sudden “zapping” discomfort when drinking cold milk or water. This usually means the decay has reached the nerve (pulp) inside the tooth. A pulpotomy is used when the infection is limited to the top portion of the nerve inside the crown of the tooth. By removing the infected tissue and sealing the tooth, we can keep the baby tooth in place until the adult tooth is ready to come in naturally.

If the infection has spread deeper into the roots, a pulpectomy is recommended instead. This treatment removes all of the infected nerve tissue from both the crown and the root canals of the baby tooth. The canals are carefully cleaned and filled with a child-safe, resorbable material that allows the tooth to function normally while still making room for the permanent tooth to erupt later. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), maintaining the primary tooth is essential for guiding permanent teeth into their correct positions and preventing future orthodontic issues.

Your dentist in Walnut Creek uses gentle numbing and kid-friendly techniques to make the process as comfortable as possible. After treatment, most children can chew without pain again and finally sleep through the night without being woken up by toothaches. The Cleveland Clinic notes that pulp therapy is a critical step in preserving a child’s oral health and preventing the spread of abscesses or systemic infections.

To protect the treated tooth long-term, we usually place a stainless steel crown, which helps the tooth stay strong and functional for the next several years. This is especially important for active children attending Parkmead Elementary or playing at Heather Farm Park, as it provides the durability needed for daily life. As the Mayo Clinic highlights, restorative care like this ensures your child’s jaw develops properly while avoiding the need for early extractions near Ygnacio Valley Rd.

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