Saving the Baby Tooth: What is a Pulpotomy and Why Your Child Needs One
When your child has a decayed or damaged baby tooth, your first instinct may be to just have it removed. But in many cases, preserving that baby tooth is the best option for their oral development and comfort.
One way we do that at Arlington Pediatric Dentistry is through a gentle procedure called a pulpotomy. This minimally-invasive treatment can save an infected baby tooth and prevent more serious issues down the road, all while keeping your child relaxed and pain-free along the way.
What Is a Pulpotomy?
A pulpotomy is often referred to as a “baby root canal.” But don’t worry, this pediatric procedure is far less intimidating than it sounds. A pulpotomy is used when the inner part of a baby tooth (the pulp) becomes exposed due to deep decay or trauma, but the infection hasn't yet spread to the root.
Our board-certified pediatric dentists, like Dr. Arpi Khare, use this technique to remove the infected pulp in the crown of the tooth, disinfect the area, and protect it with a medicated filling. The goal? To relieve your child’s pain and save the tooth until it’s time for it to fall out naturally. A pulpotomy is a quick, comfortable, and highly effective procedure that helps:
- Preserve space for permanent teeth
- Protect surrounding teeth from shifting
- Reduce the risk of future dental complications
Why Saving a Baby Tooth Matters
Many parents are surprised to learn how important baby teeth are, even though they're temporary. These tiny teeth play a big role in your child’s oral health and development. In fact, losing them too soon can lead to several complications that might require more complex treatments later. By choosing to save a baby tooth with a pulpotomy, you’re helping your child:
- Maintain healthy chewing and speech development
- Keep natural spacing for adult teeth
- Avoid costly orthodontic problems in the future
- Stay pain-free and confident in their smile
A Kid-First Approach That Puts Comfort First
At Arlington Pediatric Dentistry, every aspect of your child’s care is designed with their comfort in mind. Our fun, welcoming office in Arlington, VA features rainforest murals, a kids’ play area, noise-canceling headphones, Netflix-equipped TVs, and cozy blankets to make each visit feel more like an adventure than an appointment.
More importantly, our team of board-certified pediatric dentists specializes in working with children. We use kind language, playful explanations, and the latest technology to ensure each procedure, like a pulpotomy, is as stress-free as possible. We even use minimally-invasive tools like soft tissue lasers and 3D imaging to make treatments quicker and more precise, minimizing discomfort and shortening recovery time.
Expertise You Can Trust, For Every Smile
We understand that putting your child’s dental health in someone else's hands is a big decision. That’s why at Arlington Pediatric Dentistry, you're not just getting a general dentist, you’re getting a team of board-certified pediatric specialists with advanced training in child-specific treatments and behavior management.
We focus not only on treating the immediate issue but also on educating families about prevention and long-term health. Through gentle, educational care, we help children build lifelong oral hygiene habits and create a positive dental experience that sets the stage for confident, healthy smiles.
Schedule a Pulpotomy Consultation in Arlington Today
If your child is experiencing tooth pain or has a cavity that may require more than a filling, a pulpotomy might be the solution that protects their smile without unnecessary intervention. Give your child the benefit of expert, nurturing care at Arlington Pediatric Dentistry. Call (703) 671-5437 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Arpi Khare in Arlington, VA, and let’s take the gentle approach to keeping those little teeth on track.
