Pulpotomy: Removing Infected Pulp While Keeping Your Tooth Alive
Pulpotomy Procedure is a specialized dental service provided by the board-certified specialists at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Partial pulp removal to save a vital tooth — preserving the living root for long-term health.
Pulpotomy: Removing Infected Pulp While Keeping Your Tooth Alive
A pulpotomy removes only the coronal portion of the dental pulp — the tissue within the pulp chamber — while preserving the vital pulp tissue in the root canals. This procedure is most commonly performed on primary (baby) teeth in children, but it also has important applications in permanent teeth when the pulp exposure is recent, the inflammation is limited to the crown, and the root pulp remains healthy. At Aloha Dental Specialty Center, Dr. Ostovar evaluates whether a pulpotomy can save your tooth's vitality, using clinical testing and CBCT imaging to determine the extent of pulpal involvement before making a treatment decision.
In permanent teeth, pulpotomy is increasingly recognized as a viable alternative to full root canal treatment in specific clinical scenarios: traumatic pulp exposures treated within hours, carious pulp exposures in young patients with immature root apices, and cases of reversible pulpitis where inflammation is confined to the coronal pulp. Dr. Ostovar removes the inflamed coronal pulp under rubber dam isolation, controls hemorrhage (which confirms the remaining pulp is healthy), and places a biocompatible capping material — typically MTA or Biodentine — directly over the amputated pulp stumps. This material promotes the formation of a dentin bridge that seals the pulp from bacterial contamination.
The key advantage of pulpotomy over full root canal treatment is that it preserves the tooth's blood supply and nerve function. A vital tooth continues to form dentin, maintains proprioceptive sensation, and resists fracture better than a devitalized tooth. However, pulpotomy has strict indications — it works only when the root pulp is genuinely healthy. If clinical testing reveals that inflammation has spread into the root canals, a conventional root canal or pulpectomy is the appropriate treatment. Dr. Ostovar makes this determination based on bleeding response, vitality testing, and imaging findings.
Serving Beaverton, Aloha, Hillsboro & Washington County
Aloha Dental Specialty Center is located at 18455 SW Alexander St, Suite A, in Beaverton, Or 97003egon. We serve patients from across the Tualatin Valley and greater Portland metro, including Aloha, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, and Tualatin. Our Beaverton office is a 5-minute drive from Aloha, 10 minutes from Hillsboro, and 15 minutes from Tigard via SW 185th Avenue.
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Intel Campuses (Ronler Acres & Jones Farm)
10 to 15 minutes via NW 185th Ave. We accommodate the schedules of tech professionals who need efficient, high-quality specialty care.
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Nike World Headquarters
About 8 minutes via SW Baseline Rd. We frequently see patients from the Nike campus for surgical and implant procedures with sedation options.
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Streets of Tanasbourne & Orenco Station
Easily accessible via US-26 and NW 185th. Local general dentists in these communities regularly refer patients to us for specialty procedures.
Why Local Dentists Refer to Us
We work as a trusted partner to general dentists throughout the Tualatin Valley. When cases require CBCT-guided planning, IV sedation, bone grafting, or other advanced procedures, local providers refer to Dr. Ostovar for his fellowship-trained expertise and predictable results.
We handle the complex surgical phases and coordinate closely with your general dentist for seamless continuity of care from start to finish.
Understanding Your Investment
At Aloha Dental Specialty Center, we provide transparent pricing before any treatment begins. The cost of your procedure depends on clinical complexity, materials used, and sedation requirements. We walk you through every line item during your consultation so there are no surprises.
What Affects Cost:
- Clinical Complexity: Bone loss, sinus proximity, nerve involvement, or the need for grafting affects treatment planning and surgical time.
- Materials: We use research-backed implant systems, purified bone graft matrices, and high-strength ceramics from established manufacturers.
- Sedation: Options range from local anesthesia to IV sedation, each with different associated costs. We discuss the best option for your comfort and procedure.
Insurance & Financing
We accept most major dental insurance plans and file claims on your behalf. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and submits pre-treatment estimates with clinical documentation to maximize coverage.
For out-of-pocket costs, we partner with CareCredit and Cherry for flexible payment plans. We also offer our ADSC Dental Savings Plan for patients without insurance.
Recovery & Healing Timeline
Understanding the healing process helps you plan ahead and follow post-operative instructions for the best possible outcome.
First 48 Hours
Mild swelling and tenderness are normal. Apply ice packs in 20-minute intervals and take prescribed or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Eat soft foods and avoid the surgical site when chewing.
Days 3 to 7
Swelling peaks around day three and then improves. The tissue begins closing over the surgical site. Continue with soft foods and use any prescribed antimicrobial rinse. Most patients return to normal activities during this phase.
Long-Term Healing
Surface tissue heals within two to three weeks. Bone integration and deep healing continue for three to six months. Avoid smoking, follow up as scheduled, and maintain good oral hygiene throughout recovery.
Questions during recovery? Call us at (503) 822-0096. We are available for post-operative concerns.
The Biology of Pulpotomy and Vital Pulp Preservation
Pulpotomy success depends on the biological concept of selective pulp removal — inflamed coronal tissue is excised while healthy radicular pulp is preserved. The pulp has remarkable regenerative capacity when the bacterial challenge is removed and a biocompatible seal is established. MTA (mineral trioxide aggregate) and Biodentine (tricalcium silicate cement) are the current materials of choice for pulpotomy in permanent teeth. Both materials are biocompatible, set in the presence of moisture, maintain an alkaline pH that is hostile to bacteria, and stimulate odontoblast-like cells to deposit reparative dentin (a dentin bridge) at the pulp-material interface. A 2022 systematic review reported pulpotomy success rates of 92 to 98 percent in permanent teeth with carious pulp exposures when MTA or calcium silicate cements were used, challenging the traditional paradigm that any pulp exposure in a permanent tooth requires full root canal treatment.
Why Choose a Specialist?
Dr. Merat Ostovar incorporates pulpotomy into his treatment planning when clinical and radiographic evidence supports vital pulp preservation. With over 15 years of endodontic experience, he applies strict diagnostic criteria — including pulp vitality testing, assessment of bleeding quality, and CBCT evaluation — to determine whether pulpotomy or root canal treatment is the more appropriate option for each patient.
Your Pulpotomy Procedure Treatment Steps
- Consultation & Exam: Comprehensive pulpotomy procedure evaluation with CBCT 3D imaging at our Beaverton office.
- Treatment Plan: Board-certified specialist discusses your pulpotomy procedure options, timeline, and costs. Our procedures maintain a 95%+ success rate, backed by advanced 3D imaging and evidence-based protocols.
- Treatment: Procedure performed with comfort options including sedation if needed.
- Follow-Up: Post-treatment monitoring and care coordination for optimal healing.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Book a consultation with our board-certified specialists at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Call (503) 822-0096 Office hours: Monday through Friday 7 AM to 7 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8 AM to 2 PM. or request an appointment online.
Related Services at Aloha Dental Specialty Center:
Dental Implants · Oral Surgery · Root Canal · Invisalign · Periodontics · Pediatric · TMJ Treatment · Sedation · Cosmetic · Emergency · Sleep Apnea
From Our Endodontic Team: Saving Your Natural Tooth
“I always tell patients: if we can save your natural tooth, that’s the best outcome. A well-done root canal with a good crown can last 15-20 years or more. The key is thoroughness — finding every canal, cleaning every curve, and sealing the system completely.
We use dental operating microscopes for every endodontic procedure. Under 20x magnification, I can see things that are invisible to the naked eye — hairline cracks, calcified canals, missed anatomy from a previous treatment. This is why retreatments done under a microscope have significantly higher success rates than those done without one.
The honest truth is that not every tooth can be saved. If there’s a vertical root fracture, or if bone loss around the root is too severe, extraction and implant may give you a better long-term result. I’ll always give you my honest assessment — I’d rather tell you the truth than do a procedure that’s likely to fail.”
— Endodontic Team, Aloha Dental Specialty Center, Beaverton, OR
I know many patients feel anxious about dental procedures — you’re not alone in that. What I hear most often after treatment is: “That was so much easier than I expected.” We’re here to make this as comfortable as possible for you.
Typical Healing Timeline:
Days 1-3: Initial healing, mild swelling managed with ice and medication. Days 4-7: Swelling subsides, gradual return to normal diet. Weeks 2-4: Soft tissue heals completely. Months 2-6: Bone remodeling and full integration (for surgical procedures). Individual recovery varies — we provide detailed post-op instructions specific to your procedure.
What are the risks? As with any dental procedure, potential risks include temporary discomfort, minor swelling, and in rare cases, infection. Serious complications are uncommon when treatment is performed by experienced specialists using proper protocols. We use 3D imaging and sterile technique to minimize risk, and we discuss all potential outcomes with you before starting treatment.
For additional clinical information, visit the American Dental Association (ADA).
Last reviewed by our dental specialists: March 2026. Clinical information on this page reflects current evidence-based dental practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a pulpotomy and a root canal?
A pulpotomy removes only the pulp tissue within the crown of the tooth, preserving the living pulp in the root canals. A root canal removes all pulp tissue from the crown and root canals, leaving the tooth devitalized. Pulpotomy keeps the tooth alive with blood supply and nerve function intact.
Who is a candidate for pulpotomy on a permanent tooth?
Ideal candidates include patients with recent traumatic pulp exposure (within a few hours), young patients with carious pulp exposures and immature root apices, and patients with reversible pulpitis where the root pulp is still healthy. The key diagnostic factor is the quality of bleeding from the remaining pulp — bright red, controllable bleeding indicates healthy tissue.
Is a pulpotomy less expensive than a root canal?
Yes. Pulpotomy is typically less expensive than full root canal treatment because the procedure is shorter and less complex. Additionally, a tooth that remains vital after pulpotomy may not require a crown in every case, potentially reducing overall treatment cost. Insurance coverage varies by plan.
How long does a pulpotomy procedure take?
A pulpotomy on a permanent tooth takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. The procedure includes removing the coronal pulp, controlling hemorrhage, assessing the health of the remaining radicular pulp, and placing the biocompatible capping material. A temporary or permanent restoration is placed over the capping material during the same visit.
What material is placed over the pulp after a pulpotomy?
We use MTA (mineral trioxide aggregate) or Biodentine, both of which are bioactive calcium silicate cements. These materials set in the presence of moisture, form a hermetic seal, maintain an alkaline pH that inhibits bacterial growth, and stimulate the pulp to form a protective dentin bridge over the exposure site.
What is the success rate of pulpotomy in permanent teeth?
Recent systematic reviews report success rates of 92 to 98 percent for pulpotomy in permanent teeth when strict case selection criteria are met and bioactive capping materials (MTA or Biodentine) are used. Success is defined as maintained pulp vitality, absence of symptoms, and no periapical pathology on follow-up radiographs.
Can a pulpotomy fail and then need a root canal?
Yes. If the remaining root pulp becomes inflamed or necrotic after pulpotomy — indicated by spontaneous pain, sensitivity to heat, or periapical radiolucency on X-ray — a conventional root canal is needed. The pulpotomy does not compromise the ability to perform a subsequent root canal if one becomes necessary.
How do you determine if the root pulp is healthy enough for a pulpotomy?
After removing the coronal pulp, Dr. Ostovar evaluates the bleeding from the radicular pulp stumps. Bright red blood that can be controlled with gentle pressure within a few minutes indicates healthy tissue suitable for preservation. Dark, stagnant blood or uncontrollable hemorrhage suggests irreversible inflammation, and a root canal is recommended instead.
Is pulpotomy painful?
No. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia just like any other dental treatment. Because the pulp is still vital, achieving complete anesthesia is straightforward. Most patients experience minimal post-operative discomfort — typically less than after a full root canal.
Why is pulpotomy important for teeth with open root apices?
Young permanent teeth with immature (open) root apices benefit enormously from pulpotomy because it preserves the vital pulp that drives continued root development. The root walls thicken, the apex closes, and the tooth reaches full structural maturity. This process — called apexogenesis — produces a stronger, more resilient tooth than any artificial alternative.
How long does a pulpotomy tooth last?
When successful, a pulpotomy tooth can function for a lifetime because the tooth remains vital with its blood supply intact. Long-term studies show sustained success at five to ten-year follow-up. The vital pulp continues to form dentin, which may actually strengthen the tooth over time.
Do children need pulpotomy more often than adults?
Pulpotomy is very common in children for primary (baby) teeth with large cavities approaching the pulp. In permanent teeth, it is most often performed in adolescents and young adults whose teeth are still developing. Adults can receive pulpotomy in specific circumstances, particularly after traumatic pulp exposure.
What is the difference between a pulpotomy and a pulp cap?
A direct pulp cap places capping material over a tiny point of pulp exposure without removing any pulp tissue. A pulpotomy removes the entire coronal pulp before placing the capping material over the deeper radicular pulp stumps. Pulpotomy is used when the exposure is larger or the coronal pulp shows signs of inflammation.
Will I need a crown after a pulpotomy?
It depends on how much tooth structure remains. If the cavity was small and the access conservative, a direct bonded restoration may suffice. Larger cavities or teeth weakened by extensive decay may benefit from a crown to prevent fracture. Your dentist will evaluate the remaining tooth structure and recommend the appropriate restoration.
How is the success of a pulpotomy monitored over time?
We monitor pulpotomy success with periodic vitality testing (cold test, electric pulp test) and periapical radiographs at 3, 6, and 12 months, then annually. A successful pulpotomy shows maintained positive response to vitality tests, no periapical radiolucency, and no symptoms. In young patients, continued root development is an additional indicator of success.
Could Your Tooth Be Saved Without a Full Root Canal? Find Out Today
Call our Beaverton office or request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you.
Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD
Doctor of Dental Medicine | Implant & Specialty Dentistry | 15+ Years Experience
Aloha Dental Specialty Center — Serving Aloha, Beaverton, Hillsboro & Greater Portland
Last updated: March 19, 2026