Pulpectomy

Pulpectomy refers to a common endodontic procedure in which the dental pulp and root canal are completely removed. This procedure is usually done on primary teeth (chilren's teeth) by a pediatric dentist.

Pulpectomy is necessary in instances where the pulp of a tooth have become infected due to deep decay or a crack within the tooth and needs to be removed entirely. This is different than pulpotomy in which the pulp tissue in the crown (visible portion of the tooth above the gums) of the tooth is removed but the pulp tissue in the root canals remain. Damage to the pulp becomes visible when a pocket of pus forms at the tip of the tooth root (abscess). If left alone, the infection in the tooth will spread and cause further damage to the bone around the tooth. This can lead to the tooth falling out.

The procedure for pulpectomy consists of making a small hole in the tooth. From there, the dead nerves, blood vessels, and debris are removed from each canal in the tooth. The root canals are then reshaped, disinfected and filled with an inert material.

The only alternative to pulpectomy is tooth extraction which although initially cheaper requires further implementation of a dental implant or a bridge. Extraction could also cause a shift in the surrounding teeth resulting in crooked teeth and eventually possible teeth loss.