HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What does a pulpotomy involve?

1. Complete removal of a tooth

2. Complete cleaning of tooth surfaces

3. Partial removal of dental pulp

4. Reconstruction of damaged teeth

The correct answer is: Partial removal of dental pulp

A pulpotomy involves the partial removal of dental pulp from a tooth, typically performed on primary or immature permanent teeth that have deep decay or trauma affecting the pulp. The procedure aims to preserve the remaining healthy pulp tissue and maintain the tooth's vitality. By removing only the inflamed or necrotic portion of the pulp, the dentist can alleviate pain and prevent infection while allowing the rest of the pulp to continue functioning. This is often done as a conservative treatment to prolong the tooth's life, especially in children, where preserving primary teeth until they naturally exfoliate is important for proper dental development. In contrast, the complete removal of a tooth refers to an extraction, and complete cleaning of tooth surfaces pertains to dental prophylaxis, which are entirely different dental procedures. Similarly, the reconstruction of damaged teeth usually involves restorative measures such as crowns or fillings, which also do not involve the direct management of dental pulp.