Pediatric PulpotomiesIn Point LOmaUnderstanding California's Oral Health Assessment
in San Diego
Understanding California's Oral Health Assessment
A pediatric pulpotomy is a gentle, tooth-saving procedure designed to treat infected or inflamed nerve tissue in a baby tooth. At Parks Pediatric Dentistry in Point Loma, Dr. Brett Parks and his team offer child-friendly pulpotomies that aim to preserve the natural function of your child’s teeth while keeping discomfort minimal.
This treatment is often recommended when tooth decay has reached the pulp chamber of the tooth but only part of the nerve is affected. By removing the damaged portion and sealing the area, we can help your child avoid tooth loss and future dental complications, all while creating a calm, positive experience that supports their long-term oral health.
Preventive Dentistry
Why Would My Child Need A Pediatric Pulpotomy?
When a primary tooth becomes infected, extracting it may sound like the easiest solution. But early baby tooth loss can negatively impact your child’s speech, development, and the alignment of permanent teeth. A pediatric pulpotomy offers a conservative alternative that helps maintain the baby tooth until it’s time for it to fall out naturally.
At Parks Pediatric Dentistry, we approach every pulpotomy with compassion and care, it’s not just about treating the tooth, it’s about preserving your child’s comfort and confidence. We use minimally-invasive techniques that honor aesthetics too, often pairing pulpotomies with tooth-colored crowns to ensure a natural look and happy smile.
The Benefits Of Pediatric Pulpotomies
Preserves the Natural Tooth
By retaining the baby tooth, your child maintains proper chewing, speech development, and spacing for adult teeth. It's a restorative choice that honors healthy mouth function without premature tooth loss.
Minimally Invasive with a Child-Centered Approach
Our pulpotomy procedures are designed with gentle techniques and calming strategies, from ceiling TVs to a sensory-friendly environment that supports positive dental experiences, even for children with special healthcare needs.
Aesthetic, Long-Lasting Results
We often complete pulpotomies with white zirconia crowns that blend seamlessly with natural teeth, helping your child smile and speak with confidence, without silver showing through in family photos.
The Pediatric Pulpotomy Treatment Process
Careful Diagnosis and Gentle Exam
Dr. Brett Parks begins the process by conducting a thorough exam and digital X-rays to determine whether the pulp damage is limited and treatable with a pulpotomy. This initial step includes talking with parents and making sure your child feels at ease. It's all part of our kid-focused approach that values comfort and trust from the very beginning.
Removal of Affected Pulp Tissue
Once your child is relaxed, often with the help of laughing gas or other comforting techniques, the inflamed portion of the pulp is gently removed, while the healthy root remains intact. The tooth’s chamber is then cleaned and treated to prevent bacteria from spreading. We use minimally-invasive tools that reduce drilling and shorten the time in the chair.
Tooth Restoration with a Natural Look
After sealing the tooth, we typically place a custom white crown to protect the treated area and restore strength. These kid-friendly crowns are designed to be durable and natural-looking. Not only does the restored tooth function just like before, but it also looks beautiful, helping your child feel confident eating, smiling, and laughing with their peers.
What makes us different
