Pulpectomy
Pronunciation: pul-PEK-tuh-mee
The complete removal of the dental pulp from both the coronal and radicular portions of the tooth.
Full Definition
A pulpectomy is a definitive endodontic procedure involving the total extirpation of the dental pulp tissue—including that within the pulp chamber and all root canals—typically performed when the pulp is irreversibly inflamed or necrotic. In editorial contexts, it must be distinguished from a pulpotomy, which removes only the coronal pulp. Pulpectomy is standard terminology in procedure coding documents, insurance pre-authorization letters, and operative notes. The term is a single unhyphenated word. In pediatric dentistry documents, the term is also applied to primary teeth, which editors should flag if context is ambiguous.
Usage
Usage note: Editors must distinguish 'pulpectomy' from 'pulpotomy' carefully; the two procedures differ in extent and indication, and their confusion in billing documents can lead to claim rejection.
In Context
- "A pulpectomy was performed on the mandibular left first molar following diagnosis of pulp necrosis." — Operative note
- "The insurance claim was submitted under the pulpectomy procedure code after complete extirpation of vital pulp tissue." — Insurance billing document