Pulpectomy
A pulpectomy is a complete removal of necrotic or irreversibly inflamed pulp tissue (both coronal and radicular) from a tooth. It is typically performed in primary (deciduous) teeth but may also be done in immature permanent teeth when the apex is not fully developed A pulpectomy is needed when the entire pulp (nerve and blood tissue) of a tooth—especially in primary (baby) teeth or immature permanent teeth—is infected or necrotic, but the tooth still needs to be preserved for function, space maintenance, or development.
When a Pulpectomy Is Needed
1. Irreversible Pulpitis or Pulp Necrosis
- When a tooth’s pulp is severely inflamed or dead due to:
- Deep dental caries (cavities)
- Trauma
- Repeated dental procedures
2. Primary Teeth with Pulp Involvement
- In primary molars where the pulp is infected but the tooth is still restorable and needed to:
- Maintain chewing function
- Hold space for the permanent successor
- Avoid premature extraction (which may lead to orthodontic issues)
3. Permanent Teeth with Immature Roots (Young Patients)
- In young permanent teeth with open apices, a pulpectomy may be the first step in apexification or regenerative endodontic procedures.
