A pediatric root canal is necessary when an infection has reached the root of a tooth. According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), the procedure involves removing the infected tissue in the root (the pulp) before cleaning out, filling, and sealing the empty chamber. Thus, a root canal remedies the infection and stops any related pain.
However, the treated tooth will likely be smaller and misshapen as a result of the decay that caused the infection. A dental restoration is needed to make the tooth functional again. In most cases, a pediatric dentist will recommend a dental crown.
A dental crown is a toothlike restoration that fits over the treated tooth like a cap. They are tailormade to fit the affected tooth. The pediatric dentist will take a mold of the tooth and send it to a dental lab to create the custom crown. In the meantime, they will place a temporary crown on the root canal-treated tooth. The custom crown should be ready for placement in about one to two weeks.
Parents can select one of several crown types for their children. Metal crowns, specifically silver amalgam crowns, are the most durable and affordable option. There are also nonmetal crowns: all-ceramic (porcelain) crowns and pressed ceramic crowns. Parents often prefer these crowns because they blend with the surrounding teeth, serving as a discreet restoration.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are a good halfway point between metal and nonmetal crowns. They are both durable from the metal center and discreet due to the porcelain coating. A pediatric dentist can discuss all the options available to the child following a pediatric root canal.
It is common for parents to question why a child, especially a toddler, would need a pediatric root canal. These procedures can address the uncomfortable side effects of an infected tooth, such as toothaches, painful eating, bitter taste and breath, and swollen gums and glands. The infection can also spread to other teeth or result in tooth loss if left untreated.
Premature tooth loss is just as problematic for primary teeth (baby teeth) as it is for permanent teeth (adult teeth). It can negatively impact the development of the smile in several ways. First, the surrounding teeth are likely to shift into this empty spot since the adult tooth is not yet ready to erupt. Second, such shifts can make it difficult for the adult tooth to erupt when the time comes. A root canal-treated tooth restored with a crown allows the baby tooth to fall out in its own time without compromising the child’s daily comfort and the tooth’s functionality.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Root Canal in Richmond, TX
Dental crown placement is the final step in restoring a severely infected tooth with a pediatric root canal. Our pediatric dentist at Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental can help you explore the options available for your child. Contact us today for an appointment.
Request an appointment or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at 832-579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
A pediatric root canal can save a baby, or primary, tooth when decay or infection reaches deep into the inner part of the tooth. After this restorative treatment, patients of all ages typically need a dental crown to cap the tooth and strengthen it. This can sound like a lot at first, especially for parents…
Learning that your child needs a baby root canal can be worrying for parents. This dental treatment preserves primary teeth, which are critical for long-term oral development. Although the appointment itself is straightforward, home care determines how effectively the tooth stabilizes. Preparing in advance can help you confidently support your little one’s recovery, ensuring the…
A children's root canal protects a natural tooth from further damage and allows them to maintain a healthy smile as the permanent teeth grow into place. This treatment removes the infection and stops the discomfort, but the way parents help them manage the hours after the visit plays a huge role in the final outcome.…
Kids dental crowns are caps that cover and replace natural tooth structures to restore their…
A sedation dentist can help make dental restorations, such as dental crown placement, a calm…
Kids dental crowns can restore decayed and damaged teeth, even when fillings are not an…
Kids dental crowns can treat many dental issues, including cavities that are too large for…
When a child’s tooth becomes damaged or severely decayed, a pediatric dentist may recommend a…
Pediatric dental fillings can restore front teeth affected by cavities or minor damage while preserving…
