A pulpotomy is a specialized treatment used in pediatric dentistry best described as a root canal treatment on a baby tooth. If a dental cavity is not treated at an early stage, bacteria may contaminate the nerve of the tooth and require a more in depth treatment. In these cases, a pediatric dentist will sterilize a portion of the nerve of the tooth and place a medication within the nerve to heal the area. Typically, a stainless-steel crown must be placed over the tooth following treatment to prevent any additional bacteria from re-entering the tooth. These procedures are much quicker than a root canal treatment on an adult tooth and the success rate is high when done by a pediatric specialist.