Pulp Therapy

Pulp therapy is a dental procedure used to treat a tooth when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, has been damaged, infected, or inflamed. The goal is to remove the diseased tissue, relieve pain, and save the tooth from extraction. At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in St. Louis, Dr. Kelly Jobe performs pulp therapy on both baby teeth and young permanent teeth to help preserve your child’s smile and prevent more serious dental problems from developing.

Pulp therapy is often referred to as a baby root canal because it follows a similar concept to an adult root canal. The key difference is that pulp therapy is performed on primary or young permanent teeth and is generally less extensive than a full adult root canal. Depending on how much of the pulp is affected, only a portion of the pulp may need to be removed rather than the entire root canal system. The procedure is well-tolerated by children and has a strong track record of success.

There are several symptoms that may indicate pulp damage or infection. These include persistent toothaches or mouth pain, sensitivity to sweet foods, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, and tenderness when touching a specific tooth. That said, it is important to know that damaged or diseased pulp does not always cause noticeable pain. Some children show no symptoms at all, which is one of the reasons regular checkups and X-rays at our St. Louis office are so important for catching problems before they worsen.

The most common cause is deep tooth decay that has progressed far enough to reach the inner pulp of the tooth. Dental injuries, such as a hard blow to the mouth, can also damage the pulp even when there is no visible crack or break in the tooth. Inflammation and infection can develop when decay goes untreated, when oral hygiene habits are inconsistent, or when a child is not receiving regular fluoride treatments and professional cleanings. Early and consistent dental care is the best way to prevent pulp damage from occurring in the first place.

These are the two types of pulp therapy used for children. A pulpotomy removes only the damaged or infected portion of the pulp in the crown of the tooth, leaving the healthy root pulp intact. This approach is used when the damage is limited and the remaining pulp tissue can still support the tooth. A pulpectomy is a more complete removal of all the pulp, including the tissue in the root canals, and is used when the infection or damage has spread throughout the entire tooth. Dr. Jobe will recommend the appropriate type based on the extent of your child’s condition.

Yes, pulp therapy is a safe and common procedure in pediatric dentistry. It is performed under local anesthesia so your child does not feel pain during the treatment. Nitrous oxide may also be offered to help ease any anxiety. The procedure is designed to be as comfortable as possible, and most children tolerate it very well. After treatment, a crown is typically placed over the tooth to protect it and restore full function. The combination of pulp therapy and a crown gives the tooth the best chance of remaining healthy until it falls out naturally.

Leaving diseased or damaged pulp untreated can lead to serious consequences. The infection can spread to neighboring teeth and the surrounding bone. The affected tooth may need to be extracted prematurely, which can cause the remaining teeth to shift and the permanent teeth to come in at the wrong position or angle. Early tooth loss can also affect your child’s ability to chew and speak properly, and may create the need for additional orthodontic treatment down the road. Pulp therapy is often the best way to avoid all of these outcomes.

If your child is experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or has been told they may need pulp therapy, the team at Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is here to help. Dr. Kelly Jobe and our St. Louis team will evaluate your child’s tooth thoroughly and recommend the most conservative treatment possible to save the tooth and relieve discomfort. Call us at (314) 270-5817 or book an appointment online. Our office is located at 9735 Landmark Parkway Dr., Suite 16, St. Louis, MO 63127.