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A pulpectomy is a pediatric dental procedure that involves removing infected pulp from both the crown and roots of a baby tooth. The canals are then cleaned, disinfected, Pulpectomy and filled with a child-friendly material to prevent further infection and maintain the tooth’s function.
Early treatment helps prevent infection from spreading and avoids premature tooth loss.
A pulpectomy is a safe, effective treatment that removes infected pulp from a child’s baby tooth to relieve pain and save the tooth. Often called a “baby root canal,” it preserves your child’s natural tooth until it’s ready to fall out on its own — protecting their bite, speech, and the spacing needed for healthy adult teeth.
When is a pulpectomy needed? It may be recommended when a baby tooth has deep decay or infection that has reached the pulp. Warning signs include a toothache, sensitivity, swelling, or a tooth that has become discolored. Treating it early stops the infection from spreading and helps avoid premature tooth loss.
Comfortable care for kids — Our team specializes in helping children feel safe and relaxed. We use gentle techniques and clear, kid-friendly explanations so every visit is a positive one. After treatment, the tooth is usually protected with a crown for lasting strength.
If your child is experiencing tooth pain, don’t wait. Book an appointment or call 905-607-1112. You can also explore our kids dentistry services in Mississauga.
A pulpectomy removes all of the infected or inflamed pulp (nerve tissue) from the crown and roots of a tooth. The canals are cleaned and filled, and the tooth is then sealed. It is most often done on baby teeth to keep them in place until the adult tooth is ready.
A pulpotomy removes only the pulp in the crown of the tooth and leaves the healthy pulp in the roots. A pulpectomy removes the pulp from both the crown and the roots, and is used when the infection has spread further.
Baby teeth hold space for the adult teeth and help children chew and speak properly. Losing one too early can let other teeth drift and cause crowding. Treating an infection also stops pain and prevents it from spreading.
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic, so your child should feel pressure but not pain. We take extra time with anxious children. Mild soreness for a day or two afterwards is common.
The cost depends on the tooth and whether a crown is needed afterwards to protect it. We give you an exact quote after an exam and X-ray. Many insurance plans cover a large share of the treatment, and eligible children may be covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).
Often, yes. Baby molars treated with a pulpectomy usually get a stainless steel or tooth-coloured crown to protect the tooth until it falls out naturally.
Signs include a toothache that wakes your child up, pain when chewing, swelling or a pimple-like bump on the gum near a tooth, or a baby tooth that has darkened. An exam and X-ray confirm whether the nerve is infected.
A pulpectomy usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, and it is often completed in one visit.
Most children go back to normal activities the same day. The tooth may feel tender for a day or two, which children’s pain relief can help with. Soft foods are best until the numbness wears off.
In adult teeth, removing all the pulp from the roots is part of a standard root canal treatment. The term pulpectomy is most often used for baby teeth.
