Open now
Dental Emergency Call Now
Book online
Text us
Paediatric Dentistry · Berala

Pulpotomy — Saving an Infected Baby Tooth

A gentle treatment for a baby tooth when decay has reached the nerve — often the last good chance to save the tooth.

Not a full root canal Gentle numbing Bulk-billed under Medicare CDBS*
Book online Ask on WhatsApp
What is a pulpotomy?

A pulpotomy treats a baby tooth when decay has reached the soft inner pulp. We gently numb the tooth, remove the infected top part of the pulp, place a soothing medicated dressing, then seal and usually crown the tooth. It's often confused with a root canal, but it isn't one — only the top of the pulp is treated, not the full root canals.

Saves the toothKeeps a badly decayed baby tooth in place until it's naturally ready to fall out.
Gentle numbingThe tooth is numbed first so your child stays comfortable throughout.
Not a root canalOnly the inflamed top of the pulp is treated — not the deep root canals.
Crown to finishUsually topped with a stainless steel crown to protect it.

Pulpotomy vs root canal — what's the difference?

Many parents hear "pulpotomy" and worry their child needs a root canal. They aren't the same. A full root canal cleans out the entire root system of a tooth, all the way down each canal. A pulpotomy only treats the inflamed top of the pulp in a baby tooth — so it's a simpler, gentler treatment designed for little teeth.

Because baby teeth are smaller and eventually fall out on their own, a pulpotomy is usually all that's needed to settle the tooth and keep it healthy until it's ready to go.

The short version

  • A root canal cleans out the whole root system of a tooth
  • A pulpotomy treats only the top (inflamed) part of the pulp
  • A pulpotomy is for baby teeth and is simpler and gentler
  • The tooth is numbed first, so your child stays comfortable
  • It's usually finished with a stainless steel crown
Gentle, step by step

What happens during a pulpotomy

A pulpotomy is a calm, well-practised treatment. We take it one gentle step at a time and explain everything to your child along the way, so there are no surprises.

Step 1 · Comfort first

Gentle numbing

We start by gently numbing the tooth and the area around it, so your child stays comfortable. For nervous little ones, we can also offer happy gas (nitrous oxide) to help them relax.

Step 2 · Treating the pulp

Remove the infected pulp tip

We carefully remove the decay and just the infected top part of the pulp — the inflamed tip. The healthy pulp deeper in the roots is left exactly where it is, which is what makes a pulpotomy gentler than a root canal.

Step 3 · Settling the tooth

A soothing medicated dressing

A soothing, medicated dressing is placed over the remaining healthy pulp. This calms the tooth, helps it heal, and protects the nerve underneath.

Step 4 · Sealing

Seal the tooth

The tooth is sealed to keep bacteria out and lock in the dressing, so the area can settle and stay protected.

Step 5 · Protecting

Fit a stainless steel crown

A tooth that has had a pulpotomy is more fragile, so we usually finish by fitting a stainless steel crown over it. The crown protects the whole tooth and helps it last until it's naturally ready to fall out.

Every child is different. We'll always explain the gentlest suitable approach for your child before we start, in plain language and with no pressure.

For parents

The good news: you can help your child avoid ever needing one

A pulpotomy is often the last resort to save a tooth — but it's also one of the most preventable treatments in children's dentistry. Decay doesn't reach the nerve overnight; it builds up slowly, and we can usually catch it long before it gets that deep.

The most reliable prevention is the regular 6-monthly check-up & clean. At these visits we spot early decay while it's still small and easy to treat — long before it reaches the nerve. When we do find a small cavity early, a simple kids' filling treats it before it can ever become a problem big enough to need a pulpotomy.

In other words: regular visits and treating small cavities early are how most children avoid a pulpotomy altogether.

Medicare CDBS

Is a pulpotomy bulk-billed?

Yes — for children who are eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), a pulpotomy is bulk-billed, so there's no out-of-pocket cost to you for that treatment. CDBS gives eligible children up to $1,158 in dental benefits over two calendar years, and Medicare pays the clinic directly.

Not sure if your child qualifies? It only takes a moment to find out.

Check CDBS eligibilitySee our fees

*Eligibility is set by Medicare and changes from time to time. We'll always confirm your child's eligibility with you before treatment.

Related children's dental care at Berala

A pulpotomy is one part of caring for your child's baby teeth. These services often go hand-in-hand:

Paediatric dentistry hubAll of our gentle children's dental servicesStainless steel crownsThe protective cap that usually finishes a pulpotomyCavity removal & kids fillingsTreats small decay before it reaches the nerveFriendly check-up & cleanThe 6-monthly visit that prevents most pulpotomies
Parents often ask

Pulpotomy FAQs

Is a pulpotomy the same as a root canal? +

No. A root canal cleans out the entire root system of a tooth. A pulpotomy treats only the inflamed top part of the pulp in a baby tooth, so it's a simpler and gentler treatment.

Does it hurt? Will my child be numb? +

We gently numb the tooth first, so your child stays comfortable during the treatment. Most children sit through it easily, and for nervous little ones we can also offer happy gas to help them relax.

Will the tooth need a crown? +

Usually, yes. A tooth that has had a pulpotomy is more fragile, so we typically finish by fitting a stainless steel crown to protect the whole tooth and help it last until it falls out naturally.

How can I stop my child needing one? +

The most reliable prevention is the regular 6-monthly check-up & clean, where we catch decay early while it's still small. Treating little cavities promptly with a kids' filling stops decay before it can ever reach the nerve.

What if the tooth can't be saved? +

Sometimes decay is too advanced for a pulpotomy to settle the tooth. In that case, the kindest option may be a gentle tooth removal (extraction). We'll always explain why and talk you through what happens next.

Is a pulpotomy bulk-billed under CDBS? +

For eligible children, yes — a pulpotomy is bulk-billed under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, with no out-of-pocket cost for that treatment. You can check your child's eligibility in a moment.

Worried about your child's tooth?

Bring them in for a gentle look. We'll explain the kindest option in plain language — whether that's a pulpotomy, a filling, or simply keeping an eye on it.

Book onlineMessage on WhatsAppCall (02) 9649 6468

Berala Dental · 184 Woodburn Rd, Berala NSW 2141 · caring for local families since 2002