A baby root canal is not a pleasant experience for children or for their parents, but it is sometimes necessary to ensure the tooth does not cause discomfort or fall out too early. There are many benefits a baby root canal can offer, and learning more about it is a great way to deal with any anxieties that may exist.
Many dentists will use other treatment options such as a dental filling when possible to treat tooth decay, but there are times when a filling is not enough and a baby root canal is needed. The following is an overview of what a baby root canal is and when children may need to have one performed.
A baby root canal is a dental procedure designed to remove infected pulp inside of a primary tooth. A tooth's pulp is located in the root of a tooth and contains blood vessels and nerves. Due to this, the symptoms of an infected tooth are often discomforting. While treating the discomfort is a primary reason for a baby root canal, it also is performed to preserve the tooth and keep it from falling out. This helps ensure the child’s permanent teeth come through correctly, which does not always occur if baby teeth fall out too early.
A baby root canal is most commonly performed when there is a tooth infection. In some instances, the tooth infection can worsen and lead to a dental abscess, which is also treatable by a baby root canal. Dentists sometimes also recommend a baby root canal for children who have experienced severe tooth decay, particularly if the decay is not able to be treated with a direct dental restoration (dental filling). Some instances of dental trauma may result in the need for a baby root canal.
A root canal involves accessing the dental pulp, removing the infected tissue, cleaning the area and filling it with a healthy substitute. While this may seem simple, it is more complex than a dental filling and should be performed by an experienced dentist. After the root canal is complete, the dentist may place a temporary or permanent crown to complete the restoration.
Children may experience dental anxiety before a baby root canal as they do not know what to expect. Parents can help them by explaining the process in a gentle manner and keeping a positive attitude on the day of the visit. Also, be sure to reward them for being very brave and making it through the treatment process to help them view visiting the dentist in a more positive manner.
Symptoms of an infected tooth, dental abscess or severe cavity should be addressed by a dentist who may recommend a baby root canal. To learn more or to get started with an evaluation, get in touch with us today.
Request an appointment with Nett Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
A kid-friendly dentist can treat a range of oral health concerns. However, their primary focus is helping children prevent oral health concerns from developing through good oral hygiene at home. This includes offering educational services to ensure parents and children have all of the information they need to keep a consistent oral care routine and…
Braces can help transform a child's misaligned teeth. However, it can be challenging to navigate the discomfort that comes through them. A kids orthodontist can help you manage your child's braces pain with a combination of practical strategies and patience. With the right approach, children can comfortably adapt to their orthodontic treatment and maintain a…
Parents who hear the term pediatric dental crowns during a checkup often feel surprised and a little anxious about what this treatment entails. However, the only difference between these crowns and adult crowns is that they are made for children's teeth. They protect and restore primary teeth damaged by decay, chips, cracks, or other issues.…
A kid-friendly dentist can treat a plethora of oral health concerns, including toothaches. Understanding the methods a kid-friendly dentist uses to diagnose the underlying cause of a toothache and promptly treat it can help patients feel more comfortable about the visit. Kid-friendly dentists also help with toothache prevention, effectively improving the way children view the…
A kid-friendly dentist can treat a range of oral health concerns. However, their primary focus is helping children prevent oral health concerns from developing through good oral hygiene at home. This includes offering educational services to ensure parents and children have all of the information they need to keep a consistent oral care routine and…
Braces can help transform a child's misaligned teeth. However, it can be challenging to navigate the discomfort that comes through them. A kids orthodontist can help you manage your child's braces pain with a combination of practical strategies and patience. With the right approach, children can comfortably adapt to their orthodontic treatment and maintain a…