Pulpotomy

Pulpotomy is a dental procedure that involves the removal of a portion of the pulp, including the diseased aspect, with the intent of maintaining the vitality of the remaining pulpal tissue by means of a therapeutic dressing. This procedure is often performed on primary teeth (baby teeth) and immature permanent teeth in children and has a reasonably good prognosis of success.

Procedure

A pulpotomy is performed under local anesthesia. The decay and the coronal pulp is removed, and the area is sterilized. A therapeutic dressing of formocresol or ferric sulfate is applied to the remaining pulp to prevent bacterial invasion and to promote healing and repair. The tooth is then restored with a stainless steel crown or a composite restoration.

Indications

Pulpotomy is indicated in cases of extensive caries that have extended into the pulp but have not resulted in a bacterial invasion of the radicular pulp. It is also indicated in cases of traumatic exposure of the pulp in a carious primary tooth.

Contraindications

Contraindications for pulpotomy include a fistula, an abscess, or pathological mobility of the tooth. It is also contraindicated if the tooth is non-restorable or if the patient has systemic conditions that would contraindicate the procedure.

Complications

Possible complications of a pulpotomy include failure of the remaining pulp to heal, which would necessitate a pulpectomy or extraction. There may also be postoperative discomfort or infection.

See also

• Dentistry
• Endodontics
• Pediatric dentistry
• Pulpectomy

Pulpotomy Resources
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