118 N Main St, Belmont, NC 28012
Pulp therapy saves infected baby teeth so your child can keep their natural smile until permanent teeth arrive. At Main Street Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Matthew Savage provides gentle pulp therapy that relieves pain and protects your child's developing bite. As the sole dentist at Main Street Pediatric Dentistry, he personally provides your child with consistent, comprehensive care throughout their treatment.
This common procedure addresses deep decay or trauma in primary teeth, preventing the need for early tooth loss that can affect speech development and permanent tooth positioning.
Pulp therapy treats the soft tissue inside a baby tooth when decay or injury reaches the nerve. Our services include pulpotomy and pulpectomy procedures, both designed to eliminate infection while preserving the tooth structure. A pulpotomy removes only the infected portion of the pulp in the tooth’s crown, while a pulpectomy removes all pulp tissue from both the crown and roots when infection spreads deeper.
The procedure begins with numbing the area to ensure comfort. Dr. Savage then removes the damaged pulp tissue, disinfects the tooth, and fills the space with medication that promotes healing. A white crown typically covers the tooth to restore its function and appearance. Most children return to normal activities the same day.
Primary teeth hold space for permanent teeth and support proper jaw development. When decay penetrates the tooth’s pulp chamber, bacteria cause infection that leads to pain, swelling, and potential damage to the developing permanent tooth below. Early tooth loss from untreated infection can cause neighboring teeth to shift, creating crowding issues that may require orthodontic correction later.
According to the American Dental Association, babies are born with all their primary teeth already formed in their jaws. These teeth typically erupt between 6 months and 3 years of age and serve critical functions until they naturally shed between ages 6 and 12. Preserving these teeth through pulp therapy maintains proper spacing and supports healthy chewing patterns during crucial developmental years.
Pain when chewing or biting indicates potential pulp damage requiring evaluation. Other warning signs include:
Some children experience no symptoms even with significant decay. Regular dental exams detect problems early, often before pain develops. Dr. Savage uses gentle examination techniques and child-friendly language to help young patients feel comfortable during checkups.
Treatment typically takes 30 to 45 minutes in a single appointment. Dr. Savage and his team create a calm environment with behavior management techniques that help children feel safe and relaxed. Sedation dentistry options are available for anxious children or complex cases requiring additional comfort measures.
After administering local anesthesia, Dr. Savage accesses the pulp chamber and removes infected tissue. He carefully cleans and disinfects the tooth’s interior, then fills it with biocompatible material. A restoration, usually a stainless steel or white crown, protects the treated tooth and allows normal function. Children can typically eat soft foods within a few hours and resume regular meals the next day.
Most children experience minimal discomfort following pulp therapy. Mild soreness at the treatment site usually resolves within a few days with over-the-counter pain medication. Parents should monitor the area for any unusual swelling or persistent pain that lasts beyond three days.
Continue brushing twice daily and flossing around the treated tooth to prevent new decay. Avoid sticky candies and hard foods that could damage the crown. Schedule follow-up appointments so Dr. Savage can monitor healing and ensure the tooth remains healthy until it naturally sheds.
The treated tooth should function normally and last until the permanent tooth is ready to emerge.
Strong home care habits significantly reduce cavity risk in baby teeth. Brush your child’s teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, using a rice-grain amount for children under 3 and a pea-sized amount for older children. Dental cleanings every six months remove plaque buildup that leads to decay.
Dental sealants provide additional protection for molars, which have deep grooves where bacteria accumulate. Limit sugary snacks and drinks between meals, and encourage water consumption throughout the day. Fluoride treatment strengthens enamel and helps teeth resist acid attacks from bacteria.
Regular dental visits starting at age one establish preventive care routines that catch problems early. Dr. Savage provides age-appropriate oral health guidance tailored to your child’s developmental stage, helping families build habits that support lifelong dental wellness.
Dr. Matthew Savage understands that dental procedures can feel overwhelming for children and parents. His board certification in pediatric dentistry reflects specialized training in treating young patients with compassion and expertise. Main Street Pediatric Dentistry creates positive experiences that help children develop healthy relationships with dental care.
The practice serves families throughout Belmont and surrounding communities with prevention-focused treatment that addresses problems while minimizing anxiety. Dr. Savage takes time to explain procedures in child-friendly terms, listens to concerns, and adapts his approach to each child’s comfort level. Schedule your child’s appointment to discuss pulp therapy or any dental concerns with our caring team.
Dr. Matthew Savage brings extensive experience in pediatric dentistry to Main Street Pediatric Dentistry Of Belmont. Board-certified and passionate about children's oral health, Dr. Savage believes in building trust with young patients through gentle care and clear communication with both children and parents.
Ready to schedule your child's appointment? Our friendly team is here to answer questions and help you get started with exceptional pediatric dental care.
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: By Appointment Only
Sunday: Closed
To schedule your child's appointment, call us at (980) 990-2878 or complete our online contact form below.
Ready to schedule your child’s appointment? Our friendly team is here to answer questions and help you get started with exceptional pediatric dental care.
Give your child the gift of a lifetime of healthy smiles. Contact Main Street Pediatric Dentistry Of Belmont today to schedule their next appointment and experience the difference specialized pediatric dental care can make.
"*" indicates required fields
