When cavities are very large, deep, or enter the pulp (nerve) of the tooth current and past studies recommend that a crown be placed over the tooth to both restore function and protect the tooth from further breakdown. For all front teeth including canines we offer white crowns that are both aesthetically pleasing and durable. Back teeth or molars are restored with stainless steel crowns. Both crown types are extremely durable and can last for many years. If your child’s cavity is deep and extends into the pulp or nerve of the tooth a procedure called a pulpotomy will be done. Some people like to refer to this procedure as a baby root canal. Although there are some similarities to root canal procedures that an adult may receive these are limited. A pulpotomy is a simple procedure which takes only a few minutes in which infected and inflamed tissue is removed from the crown of a baby tooth after which the void is filled with a medical paste or filler.