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 Pediatric Dental Arts.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Curious about the importance of dental checkups for children? Read on to learn more. As parents, one of your top priorities is making sure your kids have healthy teeth and gums. Maintaining your child's oral health requires regular dental checkups. This article covers some of the reasons why you should take your child in for…
Wondering what constitutes a dental emergency in children? Read on to learn what merits a visit to an emergency pediatric dentist. An emergency pediatric dentist is a valuable resource for your child, similar to a hospital's urgent care center. Although it is recommended that patients see the dentist twice a year for examinations and cleanings,…
A pediatric dentist can help prevent tooth decay. Early dental checkups will enable the dentist to provide treatments that can make this possible. Your dentist can guide you and your child on how to keep teeth and gums healthy. Here are some effective tips on how to prevent childhood tooth decay straight from a pediatric…
Wondering whether your child needs to undergo baby root canal therapy? Pediatric dentists are dental specialists for children, making it so many parents are choosing to take their child to a pediatric dentist to provide their child with any necessary dental services. Parents can ask this dental professional any questions they have that pertain to…
Curious about the importance of dental checkups for children? Read on to learn more. As parents, one of your top priorities is making sure your kids have healthy teeth and gums. Maintaining your child's oral health requires regular dental checkups. This article covers some of the reasons why you should take your child in for…
Wondering what constitutes a dental emergency in children? Read on to learn what merits a visit to an emergency pediatric dentist. An emergency pediatric dentist is a valuable resource for your child, similar to a hospital's urgent care center. Although it is recommended that patients see the dentist twice a year for examinations and cleanings,…