Why does my child’s tooth require pulp therapy (pulpotomy or pulpectomy)?
A. The pulp of a tooth contains nerves, blood vessels, connective tissue and reparative cells. The purpose of pulp therapy is to maintain the vitality of the affected tooth so the tooth is not lost. Dental caries (cavities) and traumatic injury are the main reasons for a tooth to require pulp therapy. The treatment consists of removing the diseased pulp tissue and placing an agent to prevent bacterial growth and to calm the remaining nerve tissue. This is followed by a final restoration (usually a stainless steel crown) and can be completed in one appointment.
