A Pulpotomy is a procedure used to try to save a badly decayed tooth that has an infected pulp. Some people will refer to this procedure as a “baby root canal” because it commonly involves the baby teeth. After making the patient comfortable through the use of an anesthetic, the dentist uses a special tool to remove the decayed parts of the tooth as well as the infected part of the pulp (nerve and blood supply) in the tooth’s crown. The remaining pulp and tooth is treated with medication before putty is used to seal the remaining tooth. An appropriate size crown (usually made of stainless steel) is then selected and bonded to the tooth.

 

Typically, six months later, the dentist will examine the patient to see how well the tooth is healing.