What is vital pulpotomy?
Vital pulpotomy removes part of a tooth’s pulp which is the centre of the tooth that houses the blood vessels and the nerves. The component that is removed is located inside the crown. This is the part of the tooth that you will see above the gum line. Vital pulpotomy removes less pulp compared to a root canal treatment. Root canal treatment will remove all of the pulp, including the parts in the roots of the tooth that are below the gum line. Vital pulpotomy is usually done on children where decay has affected the crown part of the pulp. The nerves at the roots of the tooth are still healthy. The procedure is also done when the pulp is exposed because of some sort of injury or trauma. The affected part of the pulp could be removed and the healthy part of the root is left behind. Successful vital pulpotomy will relieve sensitivity and pain and it will also prevent the supporting tissues around the tooth from breaking down.
