Pulpotomy/Pulpectomy

If your child’s primary tooth has extensive decay, or has been damaged by trauma, action may be needed to restore the integrity of the tooth and prevent infection from spreading to surrounding teeth. After a set of X-rays are taken, your dentist will be able to assess the extent of the infection and recommend one of two options, a pulpotomy or a pulpectomy.

Pulpotomy

If the decay or trauma is confined to the crown of the tooth, a pulpotomy may be recommended. When a cavity gets really deep, close to the pulp of a tooth, or even into the pulp, the pulpal tissue becomes irritated and inflamed. A pulpotomy is when the inflamed pulp chamber, usually on a baby molar, is removed. The dentist will remove all the infected material in the pulp of the crown only, leaving the living tooth root intact. After a pulpotomy on a baby molar, the empty space will be filled with dental cement and a stainless steel crown will be placed to restore the tooth.

Pulpectomy

If the infection involves tissue in both the tooth crown and the tooth root, a pulpectomy may be the best option. In a pulpectomy, the entire pulp material is removed from both the crown and the roots. After numbing your child’s tooth, the dentist will remove the pulp and nerve tissue from the crown and from the canals of the roots. Then, the pulp chamber and root canals will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Next, the dentist will fill the tooth and tooth roots with a dental cement, and finish with a stainless steel crown.

Crowns

Crowns are “cemented” onto an existing tooth and fully cover the portion of the tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes the tooth’s new outer surface.

Stainless steel dental crowns are considered a good temporary restoration to save a primary tooth until the permanent tooth can erupt and take its place. Keeping the primary tooth if at all possible is very important. A primary tooth can be restored with a stainless steel crown during one appointment. A crowned tooth must be brushed and flossed just like other teeth.

What others say about us
Dr. Miller saved my life this morning, my son woke up with a big lump (eruption tissue) behind his tooth. As a first time mom, I had never seen anything like that. He was able to help me by text message and gave me instructions on how to remove it and explained that it was his first molar growing behind it. He also gave me the option to come in to the office if I wanted to. Just like he said we were able to remove at home it with no pain.
I appreciate Dr. Miller, he's our dentist here in Odessa. I highly... I mean HIGHLY recommend him and his team. My cousin has severe Epilepsy and Cerebral Palsy and he can't do anything for himself, but Dr. Miller makes sure to get his teeth clean and back in order where we are lacking because It's difficult to keep his teeth clean. I thank you so much, Dr. Miller.
I am overjoyed at the service that Dr. Miller and his staff offer to my daughter. She went in terrified and came out excited and asked to go back. I work at Reznik Orthodontics, and he’s one of our top referrers, and I can personally see why! Thank you, Dr. Miller and staff for taking such good care of my girl today!
We have been coming to Dr. Miller’s for years, he sees all three of my children. We like him so much we are willing to drive over an hour each way. A few years ago my oldest son had a trampoline accident that resulted in him losing his front grown-up tooth. Since it was a weekend we called the emergency number and we saw him right away the next day.
My 15-month-old grandson got to see Dr. Miller and his team today. Lane is the second generation in our family to see him. His team got us in within a few days because we were worried about two teeth coming in. Dr. Miller is still the most patient person I have ever seen with children. As always, he was very thorough with the exam and answered ALL of our questions.
It was my first time coming here with my son and I love this dentist. The staff are very sweet. I love the way that they greet you and the way that they talk to you. I love Dr. Miller! He explains everything thoroughly and gets straight to the point. I love how my son loves Dr. Miller and the staff.
Hands down the VERY BEST pediatric dentist in the Permian Basin. Dr. Miller and his staff are just incredible. He was my dentist all through my childhood and now he is my son's dentist. Never have we had any issues or concerns. He is so good with children, and it shows that he definitely loves his job. He does a wonderful job keeping the children calm and feeling safe. I would, and have, recommended Dr. Miller to folks.
I have been taking my two youngest to Dr. Miller for 4 years. He is the best. He has patience with the kids and myself and is always helpful when you have questions. The staff is professional and helpful as well. Definitely one of the best pediatric dentists in the area!
Dr. Miller is amazing!! Such a sweet kind man and really understands how to get a kiddo to love the dentist! I went here for 15 years and I can remember looking forward to every visit and counting and shinning my teeth. So blessed to get to bring my daughter here now, the staff and Dr. Miller are always so so sweet and make going to the dentist such a fun experience.
Hands down best pediatric dentist around. Dr. Miller is amazing with children. Talks to the kids, explains everything he is doing, makes even the scary stuff a walk in the park. He is very personable and very informative! He also has an amazing staff! So glad my family has found him!
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