Which instrument is commonly used to remove dental pulp during a pulpotomy?

The small surgical curette is the instrument commonly used to remove dental pulp during a pulpotomy. This tool is specifically designed with a scoop-like tip that allows for the effective and safe excision of tissue, making it ideal for accessing and removing the affected pulp tissue within the tooth chamber.

In a pulpotomy procedure, the goal is to remove only the diseased or inflamed pulp from the crown portion of the tooth while preserving the healthy pulp tissue in the roots. The small surgical curette’s shape and sharpness provide dental practitioners with the control and precision necessary to achieve this without damaging surrounding tissues.

Other instruments have different functions and are not optimal for this specific purpose. For example, an excavator is typically used for removing decayed material from the cavity preparations, while an endodontic explorer is more suited for locating canal orifices and examining the pulp chamber rather than specifically removing pulp. Scissors might be used in various dental procedures, but they are not designed for the delicate task of pulp removal in a pulpotomy procedure. Thus, the small surgical curette is the most applicable and effective choice for this particular dental procedure.