Pulpotomy and Pulpectomy Management

A pulpotomy is a vital pulp therapy procedure primarily performed on primary (baby) teeth and occasionally on young permanent teeth with immature roots. It involves the removal of the coronal portion of the dental pulp (the part of the pulp chamber above the root canals), which is inflamed or infected, while preserving the vitality of the radicular (root) pulp. The objective is to maintain the tooth’s function and prevent the need for extraction, supporting natural exfoliation or continued root development.
Pulpectomy is a non-vital pulp therapy performed when both the coronal and radicular pulp tissues are irreversibly inflamed or necrotic, often due to extensive caries, trauma, or infection. It involves complete removal of all pulp tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals, followed by cleaning, shaping, disinfection, and obturation of the canal system. It is considered the primary root canal treatment for primary teeth and also an initial step in endodontic treatment for permanent teeth.
Learning about these procedures in depth is of paramount importance. It improves clinical practice and patient outcomes.