PULP TREATMENT BAKERSFIELD
Getting to the Root of Your Child’s Tooth Pain
A toothache can occur as a result of sinus congestion, poor oral hygiene, or dental trauma. When your child’s discomfort doesn’t go away, it may mean that a more serious problem is at hand – infected or inflamed pulp. At Purdy Pediatric Dentistry, we offer pulp treatment in Bakersfield to not only relieve pain but also eliminate infection deep within your child’s tooth. Using advanced technologies, safe techniques, and dental sedation (if necessary), we can prevent possible extraction, allowing your child to keep their natural tooth longer. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Purdy Pediatric Dentistry for Pulp Treatment?
- Dental Sedation Available for Anxious Patients
- Bilingual Dental Team for Easy Communication
- 25 Years of Providing Superior Dental Care in Bakersfield
Does My Child Need Pulp Treatment?
Tooth discomfort is often the primary indicator that something more serious is happening below the surface. Although infection or inflammation of the pulp cannot be seen by the naked eye, your child’s dentist can use digital imaging to view the problem and determine if pulp treatment is necessary. The following are just a few symptoms that may appear:
- A loose tooth
- Tooth sensitivity when consuming hot or cold foods or beverages
- Tooth pain that does not dissipate but instead intensifies
- Swelling or redness around the affected tooth
What Happens During Pulp Treatment?
When bringing your child in for their appointment, one of our dentists will administer local anesthesia to numb their mouth so that they feel no pain throughout the procedure. After ensuring your child is comfortable, we will make a small opening in the crown of the tooth and begin to clear out the infected areas, including the inner chamber.
If a pulpotomy is required (for baby teeth primarily), we will only address the infected pulp within the inner chamber. However, if a pulpectomy is the preferred option, we will need to remove the entire pulp. After this happens, one of our dentists will seal the tooth with a tooth-colored filling before placing a custom dental crown over the area to ensure optimal protection and strength over time.
Pulp Treatment FAQs
What Is a Pulpectomy?
Pulpectomy refers to a dental treatment that removes all the pulp tissue from the inner chambers of a tooth. This procedure is usually performed on primary (baby) teeth to eliminate infections or resolve severe damage. To begin this treatment, Dr. Purdy or another member of our skilled dental team will administer an appropriate anesthetic to ensure the patient’s comfort, and we may recommend sedation for children who may have difficulty remaining still and calm throughout the procedure. Then, our dentist will carefully extract the compromised pulp tissue and sanitize, fill, and seal the tooth’s inner chamber. The patient may also receive a restoration such as a crown to rebuild lost dental structure.
When Do Children Need Pulpectomies?
A child may need a pulpectomy if a primary tooth such as a baby molar is afflicted with severe decay, injury, or infection that affects the pulp tissue. These problems will cause severely painful inflammation and will lead to tooth loss if left untreated, which can set the child up for a host of oral health issues later on. In cases like these, a pulpectomy can bring an immediate end to miserable dental pain and allow a baby tooth to work well until it falls out on its own.
Will My Child Receive a Dental Crown After Their Pulpectomy?
Your child may receive a restoration such as a dental crown after a pulpectomy to preserve the appearance and structure of their tooth and allow it to function normally. This will help prevent infections and further damage by restoring lost enamel structure. Our dentist will be able to determine whether your child will need a dental crown after their pulpectomy during their consultation at our Bakersfield office.
Is a Pulpectomy Preferable to Tooth Extraction?
It’s always best to preserve a patient’s natural dental structure if possible, and losing primary teeth too early can set a child up for a range of frustrating oral health issues. The primary teeth serve to maintain the space in the mouth that will be needed for the adult teeth to emerge properly, so early baby tooth loss may lead to the adult teeth emerging at odd angles, which can cause dental misalignments. Dental misalignments can lead to problems like chewing and speaking difficulties, increased risk of injuries and oral infections, and aches of the jaw, neck, head, back, and face. Our dentists will only perform extractions as a last resort, so you can rest assured that pulpectomy is the best way to preserve your child’s oral health if we recommend it.