Pulpotomy
The decay-affected portion of the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) is removed, the healthy pulp is preserved, and the tooth is sealed. Typically followed by a crown for protection.
Children's Dentistry ยท Nerve & Pulp Therapy
Pulpotomy & Pulpectomy - Saving Teeth When Decay Reaches the Nerve
When a cavity has gone deeper than a filling can reach, pulp therapy treats the inside of the tooth so it can stay - and your child can keep eating, smiling, and growing on schedule.
Request a Callback
Tell us what you need and we'll call you back to book a time that works.
The Two Treatments
The right one depends on how far the decay has reached.
Pulpectomy
If the entire pulp is affected, the full pulp is removed, the canals are cleaned, and the tooth is sealed. Comparable in concept to an adult root canal, adapted for the anatomy of a baby tooth.
Why Save a Baby Tooth?
It is a fair question - baby teeth fall out anyway, right? Here is why we treat them rather than just remove them.
Space for the adult tooth
Baby teeth hold space for the permanent teeth coming in behind them. Losing a baby tooth early can crowd the adult tooth.
Speech and chewing
A child needs their teeth to chew properly, speak clearly, and develop their bite normally. An extra hole at the front or back of the mouth interferes with all three.
Avoiding the bigger fix
Losing a baby tooth early often means space-maintainer appliances or later orthodontic intervention. Pulp therapy is usually the smaller, simpler answer.
Nerve & Pulp Therapy FAQs
Will pulp therapy hurt my child?
The tooth is fully numbed with local anesthetic first. Nitrous oxide or oral sedation is offered for anxious kids or longer visits.
How long does a tooth treated with pulp therapy last?
Pulp therapy with a follow-up crown has a high success rate; the tooth typically lasts until it is naturally replaced by the adult tooth.
Is extraction simpler than pulp therapy?
Not always. Extracting a baby tooth early often requires a space maintainer to hold the spot for the adult tooth. Pulp therapy keeps the original tooth in place.
Will my child need sedation for nerve therapy?
Most children do well with local anesthetic only. Nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or in-clinic general anesthesia are available when needed.
Does CDCP cover pulp therapy?
Yes - pulp therapy is covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan for eligible patients, with direct billing.
Why Rivers Edge
What makes Rivers Edge different
-
A dual-trained specialist
Pediatric dentistry and orthodontics in one doctor - a rare combination in Alberta.
-
In-clinic anesthesia
Complex cases handled in our clinic, with no multi-month hospital wait list.
-
Calm, kid-first care
Gentle, child-paced visits with sedation options for anxious and special-needs kids.
-
Two Alberta locations
Convenient care in both Fort Saskatchewan and Fort McMurray.
Meet Your Specialist
Dr. Darren Isfeld, DDS
Dual-trained specialist - pediatric dentistry & orthodontics
A rare combination in Alberta. One specialist for your child's whole growing smile - so you're not handed off between practices as they age. Certified in both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, Dr. Isfeld treats every child himself.
Book Your Appointment
We're Looking Forward To Seeing Your Smile
Two locations in Fort Saskatchewan and Fort McMurray. Whether it's your child's first visit or a follow-up, fill out the form and we'll call you back to book.
- No referral required. Book directly.
- Direct billing. Most insurance plans.
- CDCP accepted. Canadian Dental Care Plan.
- Flexible financing. Payment plans available.
Request a Callback
Tell us what you need and we'll call you back to book a time that works.