At Lil’ Dente Pediatric Dentistry in Darien, we offer gentle and effective pulpotomy procedures—commonly known as a "baby root canal"—to save baby teeth affected by deep cavities or infection. When decay reaches the inner part of the tooth (the pulp), a pulpotomy removes the infected portion while preserving the rest of the tooth to support chewing, speaking, and jaw development.
When a cavity reaches the nerve of a baby tooth, a simple filling may not be enough. A pulpotomy is a targeted treatment that removes the damaged pulp from the crown (top part) of the tooth, while leaving the healthy root pulp in place. It helps eliminate pain, reduce infection, and prevent the need for early tooth loss.
By preserving the baby tooth, your child can continue to eat and speak properly, and the surrounding teeth stay in place—avoiding future orthodontic problems. A pulpotomy is often followed by a dental crown to strengthen and protect the tooth.
Did you know...
Over 80% of children will experience tooth decay before age 11. A pulpotomy can often save a decayed tooth—avoiding extraction and maintaining healthy development.
At Lil’ Dente, our pediatric dental team is experienced in providing pulpotomies with a gentle, child-centered approach. We understand how to manage discomfort, reduce fear, and make the process easy for both kids and parents. Every treatment is explained in age-appropriate terms to help your child feel safe and in control.
We use modern materials and techniques that promote healing, minimize discomfort, and protect your child’s developing smile. Whether your child has tooth pain, swelling, or a visible cavity, we’re here to restore their comfort and oral health quickly and compassionately.
We use digital X-rays and visual exams to determine if a pulpotomy is needed. We explain the treatment clearly so you and your child know what to expect.
After numbing the tooth, we remove the infected pulp from the top part of the tooth, clean the area, and place a medicated filling.
A crown is placed to protect the tooth. We provide home care instructions and monitor healing at your child’s regular checkups.
Schedule Today!
We can't wait to see you.
In most cases, no. Regular checkups will ensure the tooth remains healthy until it’s naturally replaced by the adult tooth.
The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes and is done in a single visit.
Yes. A crown is placed to protect the treated tooth and ensure it stays functional until it naturally falls out.
Signs include severe toothache, swelling, sensitivity, or a dark spot on the tooth. We use X-rays and exams to confirm if it's needed.
No. We use gentle numbing techniques and the procedure is typically completed without any discomfort. Most kids return to normal activities the same day.