Get in touch
Opening Soon
We're opening our doors to brave kids like yours in November 2026.
© 2026 Brave Kids Dental Co. All rights reserved.
Other Services
Saving little teeth, gently
If your child has a toothache or Dr. Vy found a deep cavity, you may be hearing the word "pulpotomy" for the first time, and it's natural to feel worried. Here's the reassuring part: a pulpotomy is a gentle, common treatment that relieves discomfort and saves the tooth. At Brave Kids Dental Co., we provide pulpotomy for kids in Sandy, UT with patience, clear explanations and plenty of comfort.
What is a pulpotomy?
When decay reaches the nerve of a baby tooth, we may recommend pulp therapy, also called nerve treatment. In a pulpotomy, the portion of the nerve that's sick or affected is carefully removed, and a special medication is placed to calm the area. Our goal is to protect the tooth and keep bacteria from spreading.
Is it a baby root canal?
A pulpotomy is often called a "baby root canal," but it's simpler. It treats only the affected part of the nerve in the top of a baby tooth, leaving the healthy part in place, so the tooth can stay until the adult tooth is ready to come in.
Signs your child may need one
- A toothache, especially one that wakes them up at night
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Swelling or tenderness near a tooth
- A deep cavity found during an exam or on an X-ray
Sometimes there are no symptoms at all. Call us at (385) 614-6123 if your child has tooth pain.
Why save a baby tooth?
- It relieves discomfort. Treating the affected nerve calms the pain.
- It keeps the tooth working. Your child can keep chewing and speaking comfortably.
- It holds space. Baby teeth guide adult teeth into place, and keeping them helps prevent crowding.
- It can avoid an extraction. Saving the tooth means your child may not need a tooth extraction or space maintainer.
What to expect, step by step
- We talk it through. Dr. Vy and the team discuss your child's needs, and sedation options if necessary.
- Comfort first. We numb the tooth so your child stays comfortable, with ceiling TVs, headphones and weighted lap pads to help them relax.
- Gentle treatment. We remove the affected part of the nerve and place a calming medication.
- Protect the tooth. Most treated teeth are covered with a crown to keep them strong.
We explain each step in kid-friendly words, go at your child's pace and offer breaks whenever they need one.
Extra support when needed
Some children feel very nervous or need more support to get through treatment comfortably. We offer laughing gas, IV sedation and general anesthesia, and we'll help you decide what's right for your child.
After a pulpotomy
Mild soreness for a day or two is normal. Wait until any numbness wears off before eating, and stick with soft foods if your child's mouth feels tender. We'll give you simple aftercare tips and check the tooth at future visits.
A tip for parents
Keep the explanation simple and calm: "Dr. Vy is going to help your tooth feel better." Avoid scary words, bring a comfort item, and plan a cozy, quiet afternoon afterward.
Pulpotomy at Brave Kids Dental Co.
We know nerve treatment can sound scary. At Brave Kids, we focus on keeping your child comfortable, explaining everything clearly and saving their tooth whenever we can.
- Specialized pediatric expertise. Dr. Vy specialized in pediatric dentistry and performs pulpotomies designed specifically for baby teeth.
- A calm, Montessori-inspired space. Our sensory-friendly rooms, comfort tools and Montessori-inspired explanations help kids stay calm through treatment.
- Parents are part of the team. We'll explain why the tooth needs treatment, what we'll do and what to expect afterward, so you can decide together.
- Every child welcome, no pressure, no rush. We go at your child's pace and offer sedation options for kids who need extra support.
Meet Dr. Vy
Dr. Vy Tran has spent over 20 years combined in medicine and dentistry. She started as a respiratory therapist at 19, caring for children in the ER, NICU, PICU and surgery, then earned her DMD and a master's in Oral Biology at the University of Toledo, trained at the University of Utah and specialized in pediatric dentistry.
She also completed a fellowship at the Rose F. Kennedy Center in the Bronx, NY, with additional training in caring for children with special needs. Her goal is always to secure the tooth and relieve discomfort, with as little stress for your child as possible.
She's a mom herself, so she knows the worry from the parent's side of the chair, and she built Brave Kids around one goal: making the dentist the easiest part of your kid's day.
Book a pulpotomy in Sandy, UT
We're on State Street at Opequon Road in Sandy, with plenty of parking right next to the building. Families visit us from Sandy, South Jordan and Cottonwood Heights, and UTA bus stops are steps from our door.
Call us: (385) 614-6123
Email us: hello@bravekidsdental.com
Visit us: 8327 S State St, Sandy, UT 84070
Join Our VIP List
We open in November 2026.
Join our VIP list to be the first to know when we open, plus score a goodie bag and a sweet new patient exam deal.
Frequently Asked Question
What is a pulpotomy?
A pulpotomy is a gentle nerve treatment for a baby tooth. When decay reaches the nerve, Dr. Vy carefully removes the affected part of the nerve and places a special medication to calm the area. The goal is to save the tooth and keep bacteria from spreading.
Is a pulpotomy the same as a baby root canal?
It's often called a "baby root canal," but it's simpler. A pulpotomy treats only the affected part of the nerve in the crown of a baby tooth, so the tooth can stay healthy until the adult tooth is ready.
Why save a baby tooth instead of pulling it?
Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth and help kids chew and speak. Saving the tooth relieves discomfort and preserves its function, and avoiding an early extraction can prevent spacing problems later.
What are signs my child might need a pulpotomy?
A toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, or swelling near a tooth can all be signs that decay has reached the nerve. Sometimes there are no symptoms, and we find it on an X-ray. Call us if your child has tooth pain.
Will my child be comfortable during a pulpotomy?
We numb the area first and go at your child's pace. Dr. Vy and the team will discuss your child's needs and sedation options if necessary.
What happens after a pulpotomy?
The tooth is usually protected with a crown. Mild soreness can happen for a day or two. We'll give you simple aftercare tips and check the tooth at future visits.
How long does the treated tooth last?
A treated baby tooth is meant to stay in place until it falls out naturally and the adult tooth comes in.
How do I book a pulpotomy for my child in Sandy, UT?
Call us at (385) 614-6123 or visit our contact page for more options. Brave Kids opens in November 2026 at 8327 S State St in Sandy.