There are three layers to a tooth, the enamel (outer) layer, the dentin (middle) layer and the pulp (innermost) layer. The pulp is made up of the nerve and blood supply. The goal of pulpal therapy is to remove diseased tissue and leave vital, healthy tissue so that the tooth is not lost.
Deep cavities and trauma are the main causes for a tooth to need pulpal therapy. Pulpal therapy is also known as “baby tooth nerve treatment”, “baby tooth root canal”. The technical terms for treatment are “pulpotomy” or “pulpectomy”.
A pulpotomy removes the diseased tissue from the crown only, while a pulpotomy removes diseased tissue from the crown and roots. Then a final restoration is placed, usually a stainless steel crown.