Pediatric dentists try to avoid invasive procedures, like baby root canals, by encouraging preventive treatments. However, there are times when the main tooth is so damaged that a root canal is required. This might come as a shock to parents. After all, why bother saving the baby teeth if they will be replaced eventually?
Those charming little pearly whites provide a variety of critical functions, including assisting with chewing and speaking and allowing the permanent teeth to develop properly. That is why, if the tooth is close to falling out on its own, it may be preferable to keep it and perform baby root canals instead of an extraction.
Trauma, such as a blow to the face during sports and infections and decay in children's teeth, can damage the pulp, causing inflammation and infection. If left untreated, the infection can progress down the canals and to the tooth's root, possibly causing an abscess and additional pain and damage.
Visiting a dentist is the only way to find out if a child requires baby root canals. The dental professional uses the latest diagnostics to obtain a clear image of the interior of the child's tooth to decide the best treatment option. Unprovoked, throbbing pain, sensitivity to hot and cold food or drinks, tooth discoloration, severe discomfort when chewing, or a pimple-like bump on the gum are all signs that a child's tooth may require a baby root canal or pulpotomy.
Root canals on baby teeth are done to preserve the remaining tooth structure of a primary tooth and the gum tissue and bones that support it. A root canal can help to avoid infection and protect the health of the growing permanent teeth. The treatment may also be recommended instead of extraction if the tooth is unlikely to come out on its own soon.
Root canals have a poor reputation, but at the dental office, the dentist will use cutting-edge equipment and procedures to ensure that the child is completely pain-free during the treatment. In reality, it could be compared to getting a filling. The dentist may also recommend sedation dentistry to make the experience even hitch-free if necessary, such as in the case of very young children who require extensive procedures, highly apprehensive, or have special needs.
The first step of the root canal treatment is administering local anesthesia to numb the gums and teeth. The damaged nerve and pulp tissue are next removed with small dental instruments. The area is disinfected and sterilized, and the remaining piece is covered with medication. The dentist will then cover the small hole that remains. To safeguard the tooth, a pediatric crown is usually prescribed. The crown will restore the original size, shape, and function of the tooth, and it will blend in with the rest of the teeth.
If a procedure like a root canal is required, the dentist will go over your child's diagnosis, the recommended treatment plan, and the benefits and drawbacks of each option with the parent. Make an appointment today to learn more about how the dentist can restore your child's smile with baby root canals.
Request an appointment here: https://nettsmiles.com or call Nett Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics at (623) 759-7658 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.
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