What Is Pulp Therapy?

The pulp of a tooth is the inner, central core of the tooth. The pulp
contains nerves, blood vessels, connective tissue and reparative cells.
The purpose of pulp therapy in Pediatric Dentistry is to maintain the
vitality of the affected tooth (so the tooth is not lost).

Dental caries (cavities) and traumatic injury are the main reasons
for a tooth to require pulp therapy. Pulp therapy is often referred to
as a “nerve treatment”, “children’s root canal”, “pulpectomy” or
“pulpotomy”. The two common forms of pulp therapy in children’s teeth
are the pulpotomy and pulpectomy.

A pulpotomy removes the diseased pulp tissue within the crown portion
of the tooth. Next, an agent is placed to prevent bacterial growth and
to calm the remaining nerve tissue. This is followed by a final
restoration (usually a stainless steel crown).

A pulpectomy is required when the entire pulp is involved (into the
root canal(s) of the tooth). During this treatment, the diseased pulp
tissue is completely removed from both the crown and root. The canals
are cleansed, disinfected and, in the case of primary teeth, filled with
a resorbable material. Then, a final restoration is placed. A permanent
tooth would be filled with a non-resorbing material.

source: dentists4kids.com website