05 Sep What Parents Need To Know About Pediatric Root Canals
When a child experiences significant tooth decay or an injury that affects the nerve of a tooth, a pediatric root canal may be recommended. This dental procedure involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth. The goal is to save the natural tooth, preventing the need for extraction and maintaining proper spacing for permanent teeth to grow in. Here is more information about this procedure and when to get it:
Baby Teeth Get Root Canals
Root canals are not only for permanent teeth. Baby teeth play a key role in a child’s development. They help with chewing, speaking, and holding space for the permanent teeth that will eventually replace them.
When a baby tooth is lost too early due to extensive decay or injury, it may lead to complications. Neighboring teeth might shift into the empty space, causing crowding and alignment issues for the permanent teeth when they emerge. A pediatric root canal, also known as pulpal therapy, is a treatment designed to save a damaged baby tooth. There are different types of pulpal therapy.
A pulpotomy involves removing only the diseased portion of the pulp from the tooth’s crown, leaving the healthy pulp in the root canals intact. A pulpectomy is the complete removal of all pulp from both the crown and the roots of the tooth. The specific procedure depends on the extent of the damage to the tooth’s nerve.
Special Materials Are Used
The materials used in a pediatric root canal differ from those used in procedures for adults. Since baby teeth will eventually fall out, the filling material placed inside the tooth must be absorbable. This allows the body to naturally break down the material as the permanent tooth below begins to erupt.
This process facilitates the normal exfoliation, or falling out, of the baby tooth. The absorbable material does not interfere with the growth and development of the succeeding permanent tooth. After the procedure, a dental crown, typically made of stainless steel, is typically placed over the treated tooth to provide strength and protection until it is ready to come out on its own.
Ideal Comfort is Provided
Managing a child’s comfort during any dental procedure is a priority. Pediatric dental offices are designed to be child-friendly, creating a calm and welcoming atmosphere. For a root canal, various methods are available to help a child relax and feel at ease. For children who face challenges, additional options may be available:
- Nitrous oxide, sometimes called “laughing gas,” helps promote relaxation.
- Conscious sedation involves medication that helps the child remain calm and cooperative.
Trained professionals administer these approaches to provide a safe and comfortable experience.
Professional Guidance Is Needed
Deciding on the appropriate treatment for a child’s damaged tooth requires professional expertise. A pediatric dentist has specialized training in treating the dental needs of infants, children, and adolescents. They possess a deep understanding of tooth development and child behavior. The dentist will evaluate the extent of the decay or injury and determine if the tooth is a good candidate for a root canal procedure.
Schedule a Pediatric Root Canal
Saving a primary tooth offers many benefits for a child’s long-term oral health. A pediatric root canal is a practical and effective procedure for treating a tooth with extensive damage to its nerve. If you have questions about your child’s dental health or believe they may need a root canal, please reach out to our office to schedule an appointment.
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