Pulpotomy for Kids in Fort Collins, CO

Gentle Care for Little Smiles.

Stop the Ache

Save Their Baby Teeth

Guide their Future Smile

Why a Pediatric Dentist for Tooth Pain is Different

Infected teeth (pulpitis) can be extremely painful, causing sensitivity to temperature, touch, and fever. As specialists, we don’t just treat the tooth. We care for the child.

Do We Need Sedation?

We prioritize your child’s emotional safety as much as their dental health:

Gentle Numbing

We always numb the area using a topical and local anesthetic so your child stays comfortable.

Stress-Free Options

If your child is nervous or requires extra support, we offer safe, comforting sedation dentistry.

A Custom Plan

We will discuss all options with you transparently to ensure your child feels safe, known, and supported.

What to Expect During a Pulpotomy Procedure for Children

Often called a baby root canal, a pulpotomy removes the infected pulp while leaving the healthy roots intact.

Diagnosis

We listen to your child’s symptoms and use imaging to confirm if the tooth is infected.

Cleaning

Your dentist gently removes decay and cleans out the infected tissue from the pulp chamber.

Pulpotomy vs. Crown

Once the infection is cleared, we place specialized medication inside the tooth. Because the tooth is more fragile afterward, we usually protect it with a crown to keep it strong until it falls out naturally.

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What is a Pulpotomy?

Often called a “baby root canal,” a pulpotomy removes the infected pulp of a tooth, leaving the healthy roots intact. This is often done on baby teeth to prevent extractions and ensure that adult teeth develop correctly.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Diagnosis

If your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms, bring them in for an appointment as soon as possible so we can help determine if their tooth is infected.

Sudden, intense pain
Sensitivity to hot or cold
Pain when the tooth is touched
Swollen gums around the tooth
Fever
Bad breath
Sensitivity to sweet food or drink

In our office, we’ll examine your child’s teeth, listen to their symptoms, and use other imaging and tests to determine a diagnosis.

Step 2: Numbing

We’ll numb your child around the affected tooth using topical and local anesthetic. If they require further sedation, we’ll discuss your options and make a plan to keep your child safe and comfortable.

Step 3: Cleaning

Your child’s dentist will remove any decay from the surface of the tooth, then will open up the pulp chamber by drilling through the top of the tooth. Once inside the chamber, the dentist will clean out all of the infected tissue. They will not remove the pulp in the tooth’s roots.

Step 4: Medication

Your dentist will place special medication inside the tooth to stop the spread of the infection and then seal the tooth back up, usually covering it with a crown.

Step 5: Recovery

We’ll give you clear instructions about how to take care of the tooth, with guidelines about what your child should eat in the next few days (and until the tooth falls out naturally). The tooth may be slightly sore for a few days, but will soon feel back to normal.

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“All of the assistants and Dr. Zach went out of their way to make my daughter feel safe and cared for at her appointment. Their kindness, gentleness, humor, and attention made such a big difference for her! She left feeling like it was no big deal and definitely won’t be worried in the future if she needs any other procedures done there. We’re so grateful for the high quality care all 3 of our kids have received at this office for many years now.”

Heather Colburn

“The staff and Dr. Keith were the absolute best! My 8 year old had a lot of treatment done today, and had the best experience. He can not wait to go back to get the rest finished!! “I will only let Dr. Keith work on me from now on. It was AWESOME!”

Kris Arrants

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe?

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Yes. It is a routine way to treat infection and protect the healthy growth of your child’s mouth.

Does it hurt?

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Pulp infections are extremely painful. This procedure is designed to resolve that pain. With local numbing and sedation options, the process is focused entirely on your child's comfort.

What is the recovery like?

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The tooth may be slightly sore for a few days, but your child will soon be back to normal. We provide clear aftercare instructions so you know exactly what to eat to stay comfortable.