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SAFE & EFFECTIVE REMOVAL OF CARIES

Pulpotomy

A pulpotomy involves the removal of infected pulp from a decayed tooth. The pulp in the tooth’s crown is removed, while the pulp in the roots is left untouched. A pulpotomy is a vital pulp therapy (VPT) approach, where the pulp of the tooth is preserved and restored, as opposed to a root canal where all of the tooth's pulp is removed. 

What is a Pulpotomy?

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What is a Pulpotomy?

This is to prevent the infection present in a portion of the pulp from spreading to the rest, hence encouraging tissue regeneration for permanent teeth, saving the tooth.

 

If you are suffering from a severe cavity, and your tooth’s pulp, also known as pulpitis, is infected, you may require a pulpotomy.

Do I Require a Pulpotomy?

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Do I Require a Pulpotomy?

A pulpotomy procedure is commonly done on children whose primary or baby teeth suffer from deep cavities that are close to or already extended to a healthy or salvageable pulp. This may be due to: 

 

  • Tooth decay;
  • Chipped or broken teeth;
  • Moderate to severe tooth wear;
  • Tooth abnormalities.
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Benefits of a Pulpotomy

A pulpotomy is a fairly conservative type of treatment to help preserve the vitality of deeper pulp tissues within your child’s primary teeth. The benefits of this are that it helps:

Promotes Growth of Tooth

Your child’s tooth to continue growing (especially if your child is still very young)

Curtails a Deeper Problem

Prevents long-term problems such as a toothache or a dental infection, which will require much invasive treatment such as a pulpectomy, extraction or root canal treatment to resolve.

Allowing for Healthy Oral Development

Maintain your child’s primary tooth structure in its place to allow space and guidance for its future teeth, preventing crowding and encouraging favourable facial and dental development.

What Does a Pulpotomy Involve?

A pulpotomy involves:
  • Removing the superficial inflamed pulp tissue in a tooth, and leaving its deeper tissues;
  • The tooth’s enamel will be drilled and dentin layers until the pulp is exposed. A medicament is placed over the deeper pulp tissue to encourage their healing and viability;
  • The infected material within the tooth’s crown will be scooped out and removed;
  • A filling is then used to fill the remaining cavity;
  • In many cases, the final stage involves placing a tooth coloured or stainless steel crown over the tooth to protect it.

What Does a Pulpotomy Involve?

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What Does the Procedure Involve?

Stage 1: Pre-Treatment

  • An X-ray of your child’s tooth will be taken at their check-up appointment. 
  • Before carrying out the pulpotomy, the relevant tooth will be completely numbed with a local anaesthetic to prevent causing pain during the procedure. They may additionally be placed under prior oral sedation or a local general depending on their agreed individualised treatment plan.

Stage 3: Post-Operative Care

After the procedure, the dentist will give you and your child instructions on how to look after their mouth, particularly with regards to:

 

  • Local anaesthetic, sedation and general anaesthesia
  • Oral hygiene
  • Possible soreness or discomfort over their tooth for the next few days, painkillers will be prescribed.

Most children recover and bounce back in one to two weeks.

Stage 2: Pulpotomy Procedure

  • The pulpotomy can last from 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the type of primary tooth, the size of the cavity and your child’s cooperation. During the procedure, some light pressure and vibrations can be expected.

What Are the Risks Involved?

  • Mild, temporary pain may follow after a pulpotomy due to inflammation of the tissues around the tooth and severe or constant pain may require treatment;
  • Infection due to improper healing;
  • Discolouration, where the tooth may become darker;
  • Tooth fracture: a pulpotomy may leave a tooth weaker and less durable, increasing its likelihood of fracture. This may be reduced by using a strong filling or crown;
  • Damage to lips and cheeks: Losing sensation of the numbed area could result in biting and rubbing around the mouth; children should be supervised until the numbness has completely worn off.

What Are the Risks Involved?

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Book an Appointment

Fill out the form for any request or questions you have and we will contact you within one working day..

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Why Choose Nuffield Dental?

Nuffield Dental is a one-stop, multi-disciplinary dental care centre. At Nuffield, we put you first. We believe in providing personalised service for each patient.

Dental care

Nuffield Dental is a one-stop, multi-disciplinary dental care centre. Here at Nuffield Dental, we pride ourselves of our personalised oral care for each and every one of our patients. We need to make sure you get all the help you need to make your dental procedures comfortable, accessible and seamless.

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Our dentists have specialised in pulp treatments and oral surgery for 20+ years. We have accredited dental providers who are skilled in the area of dental implant surgery.

Pulpotomy Costs in Singapore?

Please call one of our Nuffield Dental clinics in Singapore for pricing details.

Call 65 6833 4353
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