Is a Pediatric Root Canal Scary?
May 27, 2022 3:17 amWhen it comes to getting root canal treatments, you probably just think about adults getting them. However, there are some instances in which a pediatric root canal is necessary to preserve a child’s baby tooth. Here’s what you need to know about pediatric root canals and why they aren’t anything to worry about!
Why Are Baby Teeth Important?
Even though baby teeth are temporary, they play a critical role in a child’s overall health and oral health as they learn to eat solid food and develop their speech. If baby teeth are lost too early due to damage or decay, it can have a negative impact on a child’s jaw, muscle, and facial development and potentially cause their adult teeth to come in crooked. A pediatric root canal preserves a damaged baby tooth so that it can continue to serve its developmental purpose and maintain space for future adult teeth until it falls out naturally.
What Is a Pediatric Root Canal?
Patients are given medication to numb the affected area and keep them pain-free, relaxed, and calm during a pediatric root canal. Once the patient is comfortable, the damaged pulp is removed from the inside of the tooth’s canals and the area is disinfected. After the diseased pulp is removed, a biocompatible material called gutta-percha is put in its place. This treatment preserves the baby tooth as a space maintainer and protects the underlying nerve and adult tooth from damage.
When Are Pediatric Root Canals Necessary?
A baby root canal can preserve your child’s tooth if its innermost layer, called the pulp, is damaged or infected. Common situations when root canal therapy may be the right treatment include:
- Persistent fever
- Puss pocket near the tooth
- Severely decayed tooth
- Broken tooth
- Chronic toothache
Gentle Care at Brooks Pediatric Dentistry
If your child is currently experiencing any of the dental issues above, please contact us right away. The sooner a damaged baby tooth is treated, the higher the likelihood that serious issues can be averted. So, are you looking for a pediatric dentist in San Antonio, TX, to examine your little one’s smile? We’d love to help! Our caring team goes above and beyond to help kiddos feel comfortable at our office. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment for your child.
Categorised in: Kids Dental Care, Restorative Dental Care