Pulpectomy (Milk Tooth Root Canal)

A pulpectomy is often referred to as a "baby root canal." It is a procedure used to save a primary (baby) tooth that has been severely damaged by decay or trauma, where the infection has reached the pulp (nerve) of the tooth.

Unlike a regular root canal in adults, the goal is to maintain the baby tooth until it falls out naturally, as it serves as a critical placeholder for the permanent tooth.

Why Save a Baby Tooth?

• Placeholders: Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth to come in straight.
• Function: They are needed for proper chewing and speech development.
• Confidence: A healthy smile prevents self-consciousness in school-aged children.

The Procedure

1. Numbing: We ensure the area is completely numb so your child feels no pain.
2. Cleaning: The infected pulp tissue is gently removed from the tooth's canals.
3. Filling: The canals are filled with a resorbable material that can dissolve naturally when the permanent tooth pushes through.
4. Crown: A stainless steel or zirconia crown is usually placed on top to protect the weak tooth structure.