A pulpotomy is when inflamed or diseased pulp from a baby tooth is removed, sterilized, and sealed in efforts to save a tooth and restore it to normal function. Afterwards, a crown is placed on the tooth to restore it. A pulpotomy is sometimes referred to as a baby tooth root canal, though it is not completely a root canal and it can be done to permanent teeth.

The procedure is very reliable, with a reasonably good chance of success and little to no chance of any complications. However, if the tooth is completely abscessed, this procedure may not be effective and the tooth may need to be extracted.