Does your child need a baby root canal? Read on to learn more about this restoration. Pediatric dentists typically prioritize prevention, mostly to avoid procedures like a baby root canal. However, sometimes, a root canal can be suggested when a primary tooth is severely damaged. For parents, this might be surprising. Since the baby's teeth with eventually fall out, one might question the need to save them. However, these little pearly whites do serve several functions, including chewing, speaking, and allowing room for the permanent teeth to come through properly. Therefore, if it isn’t time for the tooth to fall out naturally, it might be best to try to save it with a baby root canal instead of an extraction.
The exterior of all teeth has an incredibly tough coating called enamel. Dentin, which is the layer under the enamel, is also hard, though it has microscopic tubes. When dentin is exposed after enamel erodes, cold and hot sensations can travel through these tubes and cause teeth to ache. The pulp is also found underneath these layers in the pulp chamber and passageways called canals. It is a living tissue with nerves and blood vessels.
Trauma such as sports injuries can infect and inflame the pulp. Bacteria and deep cavities in kids can harm the pulp too. If untreated, the infection might spread into the canals and to the tips of the roots of the teeth, causing serious pain and an abscess.
Parents will need to visit the dental office to determine whether their kid needs root canals or not. The dentist will use advanced diagnostics to see what is inside the child's teeth and how best to proceed. However, if the child is experiencing signs like a needling, throbbing pain, sensitivity to hot and cold that lasts after eating or drinking, a darkening tooth, and considerable pain when eating or exerting pressure on the teeth, then a baby root canal might be necessary.
The reason dentists perform root canals on baby teeth is to preserve the rest of the tooth system related to the main tooth and keep the gums and bones that hold it together secure. Baby root canals can keep the teeth healthy and help prevent future infections. Except in cases where the tooth will soon fall out, a root canal on a baby tooth might be an alternative rather than an extraction.
Root canals have a bad reputation but pediatric dentists utilize modern methods and technology so the child will be comfortable throughout the treatment. Many patients think the experience is like getting a filling. Dental professionals also provide sedation dentistry for kids who need special attention, like nervous children or children who need extensive procedures.
The pulpotomy, or baby root canal therapy, involves numbing the gums and teeth. After that, using smaller tools, the dentist will remove the damaged pulp and nerve. They will completely clean and sterilize the area before applying medication. The last step is to seal the little hole that is left. To protect the tooth, a crown is usually recommended. The crown restores the tooth’s shape and protects it.
Pediatric dentists treat patients conservatively and work to preserve the natural structure of the tooth. If a baby root canal is the most effective option for your kid, the dental professional will explain all the options and recommend what you should do next. Book an appointment with our dental office today to get started.
Request an appointment here: https://www.championsmilesdentistry.com or call Champion Smiles Pediatric Dentistry at (512) 846-8046 for an appointment in our Hutto office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Baby Root Canal in Hutto, TX.
Pediatric orthodontics is a specialized branch of pediatric dental care focused on the growth, development, and alignment of children's teeth and jaws. Pediatric orthodontics addresses dental irregularities when they first appear, promoting healthier oral structures and preventing more complex problems in adolescence and adulthood. Understanding the basics of pediatric orthodontics helps parents make informed decisions…
Finding the right kids dentist is one of the most important decisions you can make for your child's health. This dental professional ensures they have a healthy smile while creating a positive experience that can set the tone for future dental visits. Here are some essential tips to help you choose the right kids dentist…
Seeing a kids dentist for regular checkups can maintain your child’s good dental health from day one. Primary teeth are as important to a child’s health as permanent ones. That is why caring for them is crucial. Here are the important points of going to your kids dentist for regular dental checks.Kids must value healthy…
Getting your child accustomed to the dentist can set them up for success in terms of oral health. A kids dentist strives to make every visit a comfortable one. Not only does this help your child build a positive association with going to the dentist, but it also allows the dentist to provide necessary oral…