My dentist said my daughter needed a pulpotomy, but our appointment was out of time before he could explain what it was. He said he’d talk me through it as he did it. Can you tell me what in the world it is? I don’t relish going in there blind.

Stacey Anne L. – Pittsburg

Stacey Anne,

You’re a much nicer patient than I would be. My dentist would definitely explain something to me before I’d even agree on another appointment for a procedure. In fact, your dentist has an ethical obligation to explain all your options, so I consider his callousness in telling you that he’s out of time and he’ll just explain it to you as he goes in excuseable, especially for a pedicatric dentist.

Now that my rant is over, I’ll explain the procedure. Basically, a pulpotomy is like a root canal procedure for children.

It’s done on an infected baby tooth to kill the infection. Most of the pulp of the baby tooth is removed, down to the roots, and the tissue inside the roots is daubed with a disinfectant, such as formocresol. The tooth is then sealed and usually covered with a stainless steel crown.

It is usually done only on baby molars, because they need to stay in place until your daughter is about 10 to 12 years old in order to hold the space for the permanent premolars.

I hope this helps put your mind at ease. If you have any more questions, please let me know. This blog is brought to you Oklahoma City Dentist Dr. Don Swearingen.