Yes, a root canal can be done on kids, too. This therapy is not solely for adults since kids’ teeth can get damaged or infected, too. Parents need to understand why this procedure is vital to save the kids’ teeth. A pediatric dentist can explain the procedure and why it is better than a tooth extraction.
A root canal is a surgical procedure that removes the diseased pulp from the kid’s tooth. The pulp is the most important part of the tooth, so the dying tissue from deep inside needs to be removed. The process will stop and prevent further infection. That tooth pulp also contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.
What causes babies to need a root canal? Tooth decay is the main reason for a root canal. When bacteria get inside the mouth, they can also get through gaps and cracks in the teeth and settle into the pulp. The bacteria damage the inside of the tooth, so the root canal will pull the pulp out to save the tooth.
Parents are worried about their kids undergoing a root canal. In fact, many of them would rather let their kids lose teeth prematurely than undergo a root canal. After all, permanent teeth would grow in the same spots, right? The problem is when a baby tooth falls out because of bacteria, infection, and pus, it might lead to developmental issues, such as:
Of course, parents will have a more challenging time preparing kids for a root canal. The common belief is that root canals are painful. Tell the kids that the pediatric dentist will give them medicine for the pain. Once the kids are sure they will not be in pain, they will be more open to the procedure, and parents will not have to worry.
Depending on the kids' age, the dentist will do an X-ray. The results of the X-ray will give the dentists an idea of where the infected tooth is located. The dentists will also determine the size and shape of the root canal. Normally, the root canal procedure will last for an hour, but that depends on the severity of the problem.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Phoenix, AZ
Parents need to help kids avoid root canals in the future. Proper dental hygiene begins at home. You should teach them to brush properly, floss every day, and use mouthwash. Good eating habits such as avoiding hard candies and sweets and staying away from acidic food will also help.
Request an appointment or call Nett Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics at 623-759-7658 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.
Cavity treatment for kids is a chief concern among parents, and for a good reason. Cavities are common in children of all ages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over half of the kids ages 6 to 8 have had at least one cavity in a primary tooth. The good news is…
Pediatric dentistry focuses on the oral problems that occur in children. Many dental issues in kids are similar to those that occur in adults. Without proper treatment, dental problems can progress to misaligned teeth and poor oral health. If you want to maintain your child’s dental health, here are the common dental issues that pediatric…
In their early years, your youngster is still a novice in brushing and flossing their teeth, meaning that cleaning your child's teeth in that period is your responsibility. Cleaning the teeth is a skill that the child should learn. Your role is to educate your youngster on how to keep their mouths clean and healthy.…
There is something parents can do now that will greatly impact their child's oral health.…
If you're searching for a "pediatric dentist near me," it's important to know what to…
Here are the details about the role of preventive dentistry in your child’s oral health.
Does your child need a baby root canal? Read on to learn more about this…
You can talk to a dentist for kids for advice on how to prevent childhood…
If you suspect your child has a cavity or if it has been a while…
