Pulpotomy Prices 2026
Calculate your TDB 2026 reference fee for pulpotomy (vital pulp therapy), in which the coronal portion of the pulp is partially removed in a baby tooth.
Performed when decay has reached the pulp but the baby tooth can still be saved. The plan is finalised after a paediatric dentistry examination.
Approximate Clinician Fee
TDB 2026 reference · VAT excluded
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This figure reflects the TDB 2026 minimum guideline tariff. For a personalised quote, please get in touch.
Reference fees are based on the TDB 2026 Guideline Tariff (3-9 Pulpotomy (Vital Pulp Therapy)). Prices shown are exclusive of VAT. The definitive plan is set after your child’s examination.
Pulpotomy prices are one of the topics most frequently researched by parents whose child has been found to have advanced decay on a baby tooth. A pulpotomy is the procedure in which, when only the coronal portion of the pulp is inflamed in a baby tooth, that affected coronal pulp is removed and the radicular pulp is preserved. It can be considered a partial root canal treatment and is one of the most effective ways to keep a baby tooth in the mouth until it naturally sheds.
When decay progresses and reaches the pulp (nerve), two scenarios are possible: (1) only the coronal portion of the pulp is affected and the radicular pulp is still healthy — a pulpotomy is appropriate here; (2) the entire pulp has become necrotic (has lost vitality) — in which case full root canal treatment (pulpectomy) is needed. You can find a detailed overview of all these approaches under paediatric root canal treatment.
A pulpotomy is faster, less traumatic, and more comfortable for the paediatric patient than a classical root canal. It is usually completed in a single session, after which a stainless steel crown is placed to protect the tooth. This combination ensures that the baby tooth can be used without issue until it is naturally shed, chewing function is preserved, and the permanent tooth erupts in the correct position.
At our clinic Doredent in Avcılar, Istanbul, pulpotomies are performed by our paediatric dentist Dr. Dt. Ceyda Pınar Tanrıverdi using modern biocompatible materials and child-friendly behavioural management techniques. In every case the state of the pulp is carefully assessed; the clinician decides whether a pulpotomy is appropriate.
What Is a Pulpotomy?
A pulpotomy is the treatment performed in a baby tooth when decay has reached the pulp (nerve tissue) but the infection is limited to the coronal portion of the pulp. The coronal pulp is removed; the radicular pulp is preserved and capped with a biocompatible material placed over it. The vitality of the radicular pulp is thereby maintained, keeping the tooth in the mouth until natural exfoliation.
Accurately assessing the state of the pulp is critical for a pulpotomy. If the radicular pulp is also inflamed, or if the tooth has formed an abscess, a pulpotomy will fail; in those cases a classical pulpectomy (full root canal treatment) is needed. The right treatment choice is made by combining the radiographic assessment with the clinical examination.
Types of Pulpotomy (By Material Used)
MTA Pulpotomy
Gold StandardMineral trioxide aggregate is a modern calcium silicate cement that is biocompatible and has a high success rate. It provides good sealing over the pulp. It is regarded as today’s gold standard for baby tooth pulpotomy.
Biodentine Pulpotomy
Next-GenerationA modern calcium silicate–based bioactive material similar to MTA. Its rapid setting time and good marginal adaptation make it practical for single-session use. It delivers a high success rate.
Formocresol Pulpotomy
ClassicalA long-standing classical method using formaldehyde and cresol. Despite high clinical success rates, it is being replaced by biocompatible materials today because of the toxic effects of formaldehyde.
Ferric Sulphate Pulpotomy
HaemostaticFerric sulphate forms a blood clot over the radicular pulp to achieve haemostasis. Preferred as an alternative to formocresol. It costs less than modern biocompatible materials, but its long-term success rates are debated.
The Pulpotomy Process
A pulpotomy is a partial root canal procedure completed in a single session. The steps are as follows:
Clinical Examination and Diagnosis
The size of the decay, pain history, and state of the pulp are assessed. We decide whether a pulpotomy is appropriate; it is performed in cases where only the coronal portion of the pulp is affected.
Radiographic Assessment
The state of the radicular pulp, any pathology at the root tip, and the degree of root resorption of the baby tooth are assessed on a periapical radiograph. If an abscess or radicular pulp inflammation is identified, we move on to a pulpectomy.
Anaesthesia and Isolation
Topical anaesthesia is applied first, then local anaesthesia. The tooth to be treated is isolated with a rubber dam to create a sterile working field. Isolation both prevents instruments from being swallowed and keeps the tooth from being contaminated.
Removing Carious Tissue
Carious tissue is carefully removed with burs and the pulp chamber is accessed. The state of the pulp is checked clinically — colour, bleeding characteristics, and tissue vitality are assessed.
Removing the Coronal Pulp
The coronal pulp within the pulp chamber is removed with sterile instruments down to the canal orifices. The radicular pulp is left healthy; this step is the most critical technique in a pulpotomy.
Haemostasis and Biocompatible Material
Bleeding at the canal orifices is stopped. MTA, Biodentine, or the chosen material is placed over the pulp. This material serves as a long-term protective cap for the tooth.
Final Restoration (SSC)
After a pulpotomy, structure loss in the baby tooth is usually significant. For a long-lasting result, a stainless steel crown is recommended; otherwise the tooth is at risk of fracture.
Factors Affecting Pulpotomy Prices
Pulpotomy cost varies with the material chosen, the location of the tooth, and the child’s cooperation:
Material Used
Modern biocompatible materials such as MTA and Biodentine cost more than classical materials such as ferric sulphate or formocresol. However, their success rates are also higher; it’s an investment in the long-term life of the tooth.
Location of the Tooth
Compared with anterior incisors, molars have a larger pulp chamber and more canal orifices. This affects treatment duration and cost; primary molars can have 3–4 canal orifices.
Size of the Decay
The larger the decay on the tooth to be treated, the greater the tooth structure loss. This requires an additional restorative step (SSC); total cost shifts accordingly.
Choice of Final Restoration
After a pulpotomy, we choose between a stainless steel crown, a large filling, or compomer. Each option has a different cost; the SSC is more durable but more expensive.
Child’s Cooperation
In uncooperative or very young children, sedation or general anaesthesia may be needed. This significantly increases total cost, but in some cases it’s essential.
Additional Diagnostic Imaging
Digital radiographs may be priced separately. A panoramic radiograph can be needed in complex cases; imaging is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
Pulpotomy vs. Pulpectomy (Full Root Canal)
| Feature | Pulpotomy | Pulpectomy (Full Root Canal) |
|---|---|---|
| Pulp Removed | Coronal pulp only | Coronal + radicular pulp |
| Indication | Radicular pulp is healthy | Entire pulp affected / necrotic |
| Duration | Single session (typically 30–45 min) | 1–2 sessions (longer) |
| Material Used | MTA / Biodentine / Ferric sulphate | Resorbable canal paste |
| Subsequent Restoration | SSC recommended | SSC usually required |
Frequently Asked Questions
In a pulpotomy, only the coronal portion of the pulp is removed; the radicular pulp is preserved. A classical pulpectomy (full root canal treatment) removes all of the pulp. A pulpotomy is a faster and more conservative approach; in suitable cases, it should be the first choice.
No. A pulpotomy is only appropriate if the radicular pulp is healthy. If the pulp is fully infected, necrotic, or has formed an abscess, a full root canal (pulpectomy) is needed. In advanced cases, the tooth may need to be extracted; clinical and radiographic assessment are essential for the right call.
It is a single-session procedure that takes 30–45 minutes on average. The duration can vary with the child’s cooperation and the state of the tooth. The session is completed once the final restoration (SSC) is placed; everything is finished in the same session.
After a pulpotomy there is usually significant tooth structure loss, so large fillings aren’t enough. A stainless steel crown is strongly recommended, particularly in molars; it’s a long-lasting and reliable solution.
MTA is biocompatible, has a reparative effect on the pulp, and is non-toxic. Formocresol contains formaldehyde; it is a classical method with toxic properties. In modern paediatric dentistry, MTA and Biodentine are the preferred materials.
Because the treatment is delivered under local anaesthesia, no pain is felt during the procedure. Mild sensitivity for 1–2 days afterwards is normal and easily managed with painkillers. If pain is severe or long-lasting, your clinician should be seen.
After a successful pulpotomy, the baby tooth can be used without issue until natural exfoliation (typically around ages 10–12). Durability is maximised when a stainless steel crown is placed on top; chewing function is fully preserved.
If follow-up shows the pulpotomy has failed (abscess, root resorption, pain), pulpectomy (full root canal) or extraction may be needed. After an extraction, a space maintainer should be planned; otherwise neighbouring teeth drift.
A clinical follow-up at 3 months is recommended, then routine 6-monthly check-ups. Radiographs are used to track pulp health, root resorption, and the development of the permanent tooth. Regular follow-up is critical to sustaining success in the long term.
SGK provides cover for paediatric dental treatments delivered in contracted state hospitals and oral and dental health centres. Pulpotomy treatments in private clinics are outside SGK coverage; some private health insurance policies may partially cover paediatric dental treatment. We recommend checking with your insurance provider about the scope of your cover.
