A 6-year-old child presents with a carious maxillary second primary molar with a necrotic pulp. What is the preferred treatment?

In the case of a 6-year-old child with a carious maxillary second primary molar that has a necrotic pulp, the preferred treatment is pulpectomy. This involves the thorough cleaning and debridement of the root canals and the removal of necrotic pulp tissue, followed by filling the canals with a biocompatible material.

Pulpectomy is suitable because it preserves the tooth structure while addressing the necrotic pulp and potential infection. It is important in primary teeth, particularly when the tooth is expected to last until the normal time of exfoliation, as it can maintain space for the permanent dentition and avoid complications that might arise from premature tooth loss.

In this scenario, factors such as the child's age, the tooth's condition, and the intended lifespan of the primary molar all influence the decision for pulpectomy over other treatments like extraction or simple pulpotomy. Extraction might seem like a straightforward option, but it can lead to issues like space loss or misalignment of the teeth if the primary tooth is lost too early. Indirect pulp treatment is more suitable for a tooth that still has some vital pulp tissue and is not indicated when there is a necrotic pulp. Therefore, pulpect