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Pulpotomy (Nerve Removal)

When there is bacterial involvement of the pulp (nerve) chamber of your child's decayed tooth, it is sometimes necessary to surgically remove the nerve in the pulp chamber and place a medicated filling. After the medication has been placed in the pulp chamber of the tooth, the opening is filled with a permanent filling or covered with a crown.

The success of a pulpotomy depends on the severity of the infection and the body's reaction to the infection and subsequent treatment. If the pulpotomy is not performed, or fails and the tooth abscesses, it must usually be extracted and a space maintainer placed to hold the space for its permanent successor.

A tooth may abscess with or without pain, therefore it is recommended that regular six-month checkups be made in order to keep the teeth under constant observation.