How Long Will A Pulpotomy Last?

A pulpotomy, sometimes called a baby root canal, is a procedure that is used to treat a baby tooth that is infected or at risk. It is similar to a root canal, but somewhat less complex. The purpose of a pulpotomy is to preserve the tooth until it is ready to be shed naturally. 

How long will a pulpotomy last? Here’s what you can expect when it comes to the lifespan of a tooth after a pulpotomy. 

What is a Pulpotomy? 

A pulpotomy is a procedure that removes some of the dental pulp from a tooth. Dental pulp is the soft tissue at the center of a tooth containing blood vessels and nerves. It is highly susceptible to infection if bacteria invades the root canal, the inner chamber of a tooth that contains the dental pulp. 

During a pulpotomy some of the dental pulp is removed from the tooth, but only from the crown of the tooth, not the entire root canal. Then a medicated dressing is placed inside the tooth to prevent the infection from spreading to the rest of the dental pulp. The tooth is then sealed with a filling or a crown. 

How Long Will the Tooth Last After a Pulpotomy? 

A pulpotomy is meant to be a temporary solution for a baby tooth that will eventually fall out. It will typically last for a few years until the permanent tooth is ready to come in. This could be anywhere from a few months to 10 years or more depending on when the procedure is performed and which tooth is treated. 

How Long Does a Pulpotomy Procedure Take? 

A pulpotomy is a relatively short procedure. It may take anywhere from 30-45 minutes to complete. This does not include the time spent in the waiting room and may not include the time it takes for anesthesia to be administered and take effect. 

Benefits of a Pulpotomy 

A pulpotomy has many benefits, such as: 

• Extends the life of a baby tooth. A pulpotomy can save a baby tooth and prevent it from being extracted prematurely. 
• Relieves pain. A pulpotomy relieves pain caused by a tooth infection. 
• Prevents the need for a space maintainer. If the tooth can stay in place you won’t need a space maintainer to keep the other teeth from shifting into the empty space. 
• Allows the tooth to function naturally. A tooth that has had a pulpotomy will be able to function naturally for chewing purposes. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Pulpotomies 

How is a pulpotomy different from a root canal?

A root canal removes all of the pulp from the entire root canal system. A pulpotomy only removes the pulp from the crown of the tooth, leaving the rest of the pulp in the root canal. 

Does a tooth need a crown after pulpotomy? 

In many cases a tooth will receive a crown after a pulpotomy, often a metal crown rather than porcelain. In some cases a filling may be all that is necessary to seal a tooth after a pulpotomy. 

Who Provides Pulpotomy Procedures? 

A pulpotomy is most commonly performed by an endodontist. Endodontists specialize in procedures that restore the health of teeth from the inside by treating the dental pulp. Elite Endodontics of NH performs pulpotomies when needed to preserve the life of a tooth until it is ready to be shed. 
Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.