.webp)
.webp)
Check and x-ray
We look at the tooth and take an x-ray to see how far decay has gone and whether the roots are still healthy enough to save.
See the visit stepsTreatments
When decay reaches the nerve of a baby tooth but the roots are still healthy, we may recommend pulp treatment — often called a pulpotomy — to ease pain and keep the tooth until it falls out naturally.
In this visit
Assess with x-ray, treat the crown pulp under local anaesthetic, then seal the tooth — back molars usually need a stainless steel crown.
We look at the tooth and take an x-ray to see how far decay has gone and whether the roots are still healthy enough to save.
See the visit stepsUnder local anaesthetic we remove the sore coronal pulp, place a medicament, and seal the chamber so bacteria cannot get back in.
See the visit stepsBack teeth usually need a stainless steel crown to protect the repair. Front teeth may receive a white filling when that will last.
Read FAQsFor parents
Saving versus extracting is the usual fork. These accordions cover timing, how pulpotomy differs from deeper nerve work, after-care signs, and why molars matter for spacing.
Deep decay with pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, or an exposure found during a filling. The tooth must still be restorable — not cracked beyond repair.
If infection has spread into the roots or there is an abscess, extraction may be the safer path. We explain both options.
Pulpotomy removes coronal pulp only — common on baby molars. Pulpectomy clears all pulp in the roots and is closer to an adult root canal. We choose based on x-rays and symptoms.
Permanent teeth with nerve damage may need referral or a full root canal on our root canal page.
Mild soreness for a day or two is normal. Use paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed on the packet for your child's age and weight.
Contact the clinic if pain worsens, swelling appears, or the crown feels loose. A failed pulpotomy may need extraction.
Baby molars hold space for adult teeth, help chewing, and keep speech on track. Losing one early may mean a space maintainer later.
Prevention still matters — less grazing, water instead of juice boxes, and six-monthly check ups.
The process
From booking to leaving — how a pulp treatment visit usually runs.
Mention toothache when you book. We allow time for x-rays and a calm talk with you both in the room.
We show what we see, quote pulpotomy and crown if needed, and start only when you agree.
Local anaesthetic, remove decay and coronal pulp, medicate, then build up the tooth.
Fit a crown on back teeth when possible. You leave with after-care instructions.
Honest answers
Cost, success rates, and whether extraction might be the simpler call.
Local anaesthetic numbs the tooth. They may feel pressure. Tell us if they need a pause.
Written quote before we start. Eligible children may use CDBS — ask about fees at booking.
Many pulpotomies last until the tooth falls out. Deep infection lowers success — we are honest if extraction is safer.
Sometimes yes — but early loss of a molar can mean a space maintainer and longer orthodontic risk. We lay out both paths.
Book a sore tooth visit
Note toothache symptoms when you book online. Same-day slots when we have capacity.
Book appointmentBefore you book
Practical parent questions beyond what the visit steps cover.
Pain with hot or cold, pain when biting, or a dentist finding a deep cavity on x-ray. Sometimes there are no symptoms until the nerve is already involved — another reason regular checks matter.
Back baby molars usually need a stainless steel crown to seal the repair. Front teeth may receive a filling when that will hold.
Persistent pain or swelling may mean the pulpotomy did not settle the infection. Book a review — extraction may be the next step.
Eligible children may use Child Dental Benefits Schedule funds for part of the visit. Ask when you book — we confirm balance and out-of-pocket before treatment starts.
All treatments
Mention toothache when you book — we allow time for x-rays and a calm talk before you decide on pulp treatment or extraction.
.webp)
Fresh symptoms get priority slots.
.webp)
Pulpotomy, crown, and alternatives spelled out.
.webp)
Children are not treated alone.
.webp)
