Your child's primary teeth are not only small but the enamel covering them is very thin. Tooth decay can therefore move into the central pulp or nerve area of their teeth much easier than with permanent teeth.
When this happens, we use a procedure called “pulpotomy” which is the removal of some pulp or nerve tissue above the gum line where the decay has entered. After a thorough cleaning, a layer of sedative filling material is then placed in the cavity to protect the remaining nerve tissue. The remainder of the tooth is filled with either a composite material or a stainless steel dental crown, depending on the areas of the tooth that was affected.
A more serious procedure is called a “Pulpectomy” where, because of more severe decay and infection (abscess), the entire pulp area needs to be removed.
