When your child received a pulpotomy, which is often referred to as a “baby root canal.” This procedure is commonly performed in pediatric dentistry when a cavity has reached the inner portion of the tooth where the nerve tissue is located. During a pulpotomy, the infected portion of the tooth’s nerve tissue is carefully removed to eliminate bacteria and preserve the remaining healthy part of the tooth. This treatment allows the baby tooth to remain in place until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt.

Maintaining baby teeth is important because they help guide the proper eruption of adult teeth, support chewing, and assist with speech development.

What to Expect After a Pulpotomy
After the procedure, it is normal for your child to experience some temporary sensitivity or mild discomfort.

Your child may notice:

• Mild soreness around the treated tooth

• Temporary gum tenderness

• Slight sensitivity when biting or chewing

These symptoms typically improve within 24–48 hours as the surrounding tissues heal. In many cases, a dental crown is placed after a pulpotomy to protect the treated tooth and restore its strength.

Pain Management
Most children recover comfortably after a pulpotomy with minimal discomfort. If your child experiences soreness, you may give an over-the-counter children's pain reliever such as:

• Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil)

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Please follow the medication instructions on the bottle based on your child’s age and weight. If discomfort persists or worsens after several days, please contact our office.

Eating After Treatment
Once the numbness from local anesthesia wears off, your child may return to normal eating. If the tooth feels sensitive initially, encourage your child to start with softer foods, such as:

• Yogurt

• Applesauce

• Pasta

• Mashed potatoes

• Scrambled eggs

Your child can gradually return to their normal diet as comfort allows.

Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to protect the treated tooth and surrounding teeth. Parents should encourage children to:

• Brush twice daily with an adult’s assistance

• Floss between teeth daily

• Maintain routine dental visits every six months

Healthy brushing habits help prevent future cavities and maintain the health of treated teeth.

Monitoring the Tooth
Teeth treated with a pulpotomy typically continue to function like normal baby teeth. These teeth will eventually resorb naturally, meaning the roots slowly dissolve as the permanent tooth develops and erupts underneath. In some cases, pulpotomy-treated teeth may resorb slightly faster than untreated baby teeth, which is generally normal. During your child’s routine dental check-ups, we may periodically take dental x-rays to monitor:

• The health of the treated tooth

• Normal root resorption

• Development of the permanent tooth underneath

Monitoring allows us to ensure the tooth continues to function properly until it is naturally replaced.

When to Contact Tiny Tooth Co.
Please contact our office if your child experiences:

• Persistent pain that lasts more than several days

• Swelling around the gums or face

• Difficulty chewing on the treated tooth

• A crown that feels loose or damaged

Our team will be happy to evaluate the area and ensure everything is healing properly.