Dental amputation in children is a conservative treatment method applied to primary (baby) teeth or newly erupted permanent teeth. Instead of extracting the tooth completely, only the problematic part (usually the nerve or root area) is removed, aiming to preserve the tooth in the mouth. In pediatric dentistry, this approach is generally applied as root-related procedures that serve as alternatives to pulpotomy or pulpectomy.
Basic Principle
The main goal in children’s teeth is:
• To keep the tooth in the mouth as long as possible
• To maintain its function in chewing, speaking, and space holding
For this reason, unlike in adults, extraction is not immediately preferred; only the problematic part of the tooth is removed, while the healthy part is preserved.
In Which Cases Is It Preferred?
• When the nerve is affected due to advanced decay
• Damage to the nerve tissue after trauma
• Infection in one of the roots of primary molars
• Situations where full root canal treatment cannot be applied
• Cases where preserving the tooth in the mouth is important
Procedures Applied (Types of Amputation in Children)
1. Pulpotomy (most common)
• The nerve tissue in the upper part of the tooth is removed
• Healthy tissue in the roots is preserved
• The tooth maintains its vitality
This is the most commonly performed “partial removal procedure” in children.
2. Pulpectomy (in more advanced cases)
• All nerve tissue is removed
• Root canals are filled
Preferred when the infection has progressed.
3. Root Amputation (rarer)
• Applied in multi-rooted primary teeth
• Only the problematic root is removed
• The remaining part of the tooth is preserved in the mouth
Procedure Steps
1 Examination and X-ray are performed
2 Local anesthesia is applied (the child does not feel pain)
3 Decayed tissues are removed
4 Diseased pulp or root part is removed
5 Healing materials are applied
6 The tooth is restored (often supported with a stainless steel crown)
Healing Process
• Usually fast and uneventful
• Mild sensitivity may occur during the first 1–2 days
• The child quickly returns to normal life
Why Is It So Important?
Because primary teeth:
• Maintain space for permanent teeth underneath
• If extracted early, shifting and crowding may occur
• Chewing and speech may be affected
Therefore, amputation is a much more conservative and beneficial approach compared to extraction.
Things to Consider
• Oral hygiene should be maintained
• Regular dental check-ups should not be neglected
• The treated tooth should be monitored
In Short
Dental amputation in children =
“A procedure that saves the tooth by removing only the problematic part without losing it completely.”
Amputation Price Information?
Amputation costs may vary depending on the condition of the tooth.
