How does a pulpotomy differ from pupal debridement?

Answer

The goal of a pulpotomy (D3220) is to only remove the pulp tissue from the pulp chamber and to maintain the vitality of the remaining pulp in the tooth roots. A pulpotomy is typically performed when caries removal or trauma results in pulp exposure of a primary tooth.

The goal of pulpal debridement (D3221) is to relieve the patient of pain until a root canal can be performed. A root canal renders the tooth non-vital because all of the components of the pulp, which include blood vessels, connective tissue, nerve, etc., are removed.