When a child has a tooth that’s been hurting, most parents assume the only answer is to pull it. But in many cases, the tooth can be saved, and saving it is almost always the better outcome. What parents often call a “baby root canal” is actually a pulpotomy, a procedure that removes only the infected portion of the inner tooth tissue while leaving the healthy root completely intact, giving the tooth a real chance to stay in place until it falls out naturally.
At Little Roots Pediatric Dental in Westbury, NY, our board-certified pediatric dentists Dr. Sunaina Vohra and Dr. Jessica Barzideh perform pulpotomies for children throughout Nassau County and the greater Long Island area. Our team takes a conservative, tooth-preserving approach to every case, always exploring every option before recommending removal.
What Is a Pulpotomy — and Why Do Parents Call It a Baby Root Canal?
A pulpotomy is commonly referred to as a baby root canal, though the two procedures are quite different. A traditional root canal removes all of the pulp tissue from the entire tooth, including the roots. A pulpotomy only addresses the pulp inside the crown, the visible upper portion of the tooth, leaving the healthy pulp tissue in the roots untouched and alive. It is a more conservative procedure, and in most cases it is all that is needed to resolve the infection and relieve the pain.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that dental caries remains the most prevalent chronic disease in children ages 2 to 11 in the United States. When decay advances deep enough to reach the pulp chamber, a pulpotomy in Westbury, NY becomes one of the most effective ways to address the infection without sacrificing the entire tooth. It may also be necessary following a dental injury that exposes or damages the pulp.
Why Saving the Baby Tooth Matters
Baby teeth are not simply placeholders. They hold space for the permanent teeth developing beneath them, support normal jaw growth, help children chew and speak properly, and play a direct role in how permanent teeth will eventually align. Losing a primary molar too early can trigger shifting in the surrounding teeth, which may lead to crowding, impaction, or the need for additional restorative care further down the road.
A pulpotomy, when performed at the right time, gives the tooth the best possible chance of staying in place until it is ready to fall out on its own. This is why Dr. Vohra and Dr. Barzideh prioritize pulp preservation whenever the clinical situation allows for it. The goal is always to protect the tooth, the surrounding development, and your child’s comfort at every step.
What to Expect During a Pulpotomy at Little Roots
The procedure is straightforward and far less involved than most parents anticipate. Every pulpotomy at Little Roots begins with thorough numbing of the area so your child feels nothing during the procedure. For children who need extra support staying calm and relaxed, nitrous oxide is available to help them feel at ease from start to finish.
Once your child is comfortable, Dr. Vohra or Dr. Barzideh carefully removes the affected pulp tissue from the crown of the tooth, cleans and disinfects the chamber, and places a medicated filling to protect the remaining healthy tissue below. In most cases, a zirconia crown is placed over the tooth at the same appointment to restore its full strength and protect it from further damage. The entire visit typically takes under an hour, and most children are back to their normal routines the same day.
Why Nassau County Families Choose Little Roots Pediatric Dental
Dr. Vohra is a board-certified pediatric dentist who earned her degree in molecular and cellular biology from Johns Hopkins University, completed her dental training at the University of Pittsburgh, and served as chief resident at the Woodhull Medical Center Pediatric Dental Program in Brooklyn. Dr. Barzideh brings equal clinical depth and a shared dedication to making every child feel genuinely at ease throughout every step of care.
Pulpotomies are one part of the broader, tooth-preserving philosophy that defines care at Little Roots Pediatric Dental. We believe every visit should leave children feeling safe and parents feeling confident in the care their child received. To learn more about Dr. Barzideh’s background and approach, visit her provider bio. We welcome new patients from across Nassau County, Westbury, and the greater Long Island area, and many insurance plans are accepted, with FSA and HSA funds also available. When your child is ready, our team is here, and you can reach us through our contact form to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pulpotomies
Here are answers to the questions parents most often bring to us about pulpotomies.
What is the difference between a pulpotomy and a pulpectomy?
A pulpotomy removes only the infected pulp tissue from the crown portion of the tooth while leaving the healthy pulp in the roots in place. A pulpectomy goes further, removing all of the pulp from both the crown and the root canals. A pulpotomy is typically used when the infection is limited to the upper chamber and the roots remain healthy. A pulpectomy is needed when the infection has spread deeper into the root system.
Is a pulpotomy painful for children?
The procedure itself is not painful. The area is thoroughly numbed before anything begins, and nitrous oxide is available for children who need additional comfort. Most children tolerate pulpotomies very well and report little to no discomfort during the visit. Some mild soreness in the day or two following the procedure is normal and typically resolves quickly with age-appropriate over-the-counter pain relief.
How long does a pulpotomy take, and what happens after?
Most pulpotomies are completed in a single appointment that typically lasts under an hour. After the infected tissue is removed and the chamber is cleaned and medicated, a crown is usually placed over the tooth at the same visit to protect and restore it. Children can generally return to their normal routine the same day. A follow-up appointment allows the team to confirm the tooth is healing well.
Why would a child need a crown after a pulpotomy?
Following a pulpotomy, the tooth structure that remains is more vulnerable to fracture. A crown, typically a durable zirconia crown, is placed to restore the full shape and strength of the tooth and protect it from further breakdown. Without a crown, the tooth is at higher risk of cracking or becoming reinfected, which would compromise the work done during the pulpotomy.
Can a pulpotomy fail, and what happens if it does?
Pulpotomies have a high clinical success rate when performed on teeth where the infection is limited to the crown pulp. In cases where the infection has progressed further than initially detected, or if the tooth does not respond well to the medicated filling, a pulpectomy or extraction may become necessary. The team at Little Roots Pediatric Dental monitors treated teeth at each follow-up visit and will address any changes promptly to protect your child’s oral health.
