Services

Nerve Treatment
in Prosper, TX

Inside every healthy tooth is a small space called the pulp chamber. This cavity contains the nerves, blood supply, and soft tissue that keep the tooth alive. When the tooth pulp becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause intense pain. Dr. Oh may recommend removing the nerve in a pulpotomy procedure, sometimes referred to as a “baby root canal.”

Why Preserve a Damaged Tooth?

The leading causes of infected or inflamed tooth pulp are deep cavities and traumatic injuries. The purpose of a pulpotomy is to repair and preserve an affected tooth so that it will not be lost prematurely.

The untimely loss of primary teeth can interfere with chewing and speech development. It can also affect the alignment of permanent teeth because baby teeth hold the space for the permanent teeth that are developing behind the scenes. If there is a gap that forms prematurely, the remaining teeth will shift to fill the space, which can cause crooked teeth, a crowded mouth, or problems with the bite. Dr. Oh will work to prevent tooth loss and the future issues it can cause by treating the nerves of the infected teeth using a pulpotomy.

The Pulpotomy Procedure

Dr. Oh will begin by numbing the area to be treated. Next, he will make an opening in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. He will then remove the nerve tissue from the pulp chamber, clean it out and sterilize it, then place a medicated filling to seal the tooth and prevent bacteria from reentering. After the pulpotomy is completed, your child should feel much better. All pain usually subsides either immediately or within a few days of the procedure.

A pulpotomy is a common procedure that is often completed in conjunction with other dental treatments, such as fillings. That minimizes the number of times your child needs to return to our office for treatment. In most cases, we will recommend placing a stainless steel crown over the tooth to ensure its stability and security until it naturally falls out, and a permanent tooth replaces it.

Safeguarding Your Child’s Smile

The best approach to prevent pulp damage is protecting and maintaining healthy teeth. That involves proper oral hygiene practices, regular dental exams and cleaning, and protecting the teeth from trauma using protective mouthguards during sports activities.