At Dental at Keys, we understand that dental visits can be daunting for children. Our caring team provides gentle and effective treatments to keep your child’s smile healthy and pain-free. One common procedure we perform to save a baby tooth from infection is called a pulpotomy.
Your child’s dentist at Dental at Keys will perform a thorough dental examination, which includes:
A pulpotomy is suitable when:
A pulpotomy may not be the right option if:
If infection is present, a pulpectomy (baby root canal) or tooth removal may be needed instead.
At Dental at Keys, our dentists take every measure to ensure your child’s comfort and safety during treatment.
A small cotton pellet is placed over the pulp for a few minutes:
Once suitable, a restorative medication such as Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is placed to protect the remaining healthy pulp.
The tooth is then sealed tightly and finished with a stainless steel crown (SSC) to restore function and prevent future damage.
This crown acts as a strong protective cover, allowing the baby tooth to stay in place until it’s naturally ready to fall out.
The best way to avoid needing a pulpotomy is to catch cavities early and maintain excellent oral hygiene.
Here’s how you can help your child prevent decay:
Addressing any dental pain promptly — early treatment helps prevent more invasive procedures
If you’re interested in a Pulpotomy in Keysborough, we invite you to visit Dental at Keys for a personalised consultation.
In some cases, yes. For example, if a permanent tooth is injured or has a small pulp exposure, a partial pulpotomy may be done using MTA. However, if the tooth’s roots are fully developed, a root canal treatment is usually the preferred option.
A pulpotomy generally takes 30–40 minutes, depending on the tooth’s condition and your child’s cooperation.
A Cvek pulpotomy (or partial pulpotomy) involves removing only a few millimetres of exposed nerve tissue, typically after trauma to a permanent tooth. The area is then treated and sealed similarly to a pulpotomy.
Thanks to modern bio-compatible materials, even more conservative options may now be available in some cases.
A pulpotomy removes only the top part of the nerve inside the tooth’s crown.
A pulpectomy (baby root canal) removes all the nerve tissue, cleans the canals, and fills them with a special root filling material called Gutta Percha.
If a pulpotomy isn’t suitable — for example, if the tooth is already infected — the alternative may be tooth removal.
Leaving an infected tooth untreated can cause:
