Pain Management During and After a Pediatric Root Canal

Pediatric root canals are far more comfortable than they were in the past for several reasons. First, a pediatric dentist can complete this procedure quickly and efficiently, reducing time in the chair. The second is that pediatric dentists have reliable pain management techniques for during and after the procedure. Learn how a dentist can enhance your child’s comfort at every stage of a pediatric root canal.

What happens during a pediatric root canal?

A pediatric root canal treats a tooth with deep tooth decay (cavities), cracks, chips, or other damage extending into its root. The first step will be to inject a local anesthetic into the area. This allows the dentist to drill into the tooth and remove the infected, inflamed pulp in its root with minimal pain and discomfort for the patient.

Next, the pediatric dentist will clean and fill the pulp chamber with gutta-percha. Sealing the tooth is the last step. However, the dentist will likely take restoring the tooth a step further by placing a dental crown. Such restorations fit on top of the tooth. With a crown, the child can use the tooth as they did before it became infected or damaged.

Pain management options for child patients

Root canals have a poor reputation for being painful, but this is no longer the case in modern pediatric dentistry. In reality, getting a pediatric root canal will feel similar to the average cavity filling. There are several possible pain management techniques used at each stage of a pediatric root canal.

During the procedure

Local anesthesia

A local anesthetic will be injected into the gums nearest the affected tooth to numb the entire area. This will be done with a syringe at the beginning of the procedure.

Since it is common for children and teenagers to be afraid of injections, the pediatric dentist and their team can employ several tactics to ease the patient’s fears. A common example is keeping the needle out of the patient’s sight and jiggling their cheek right before the injection to distract them. Alternatively, some patients prefer to see the needle and have the provider count down from three.

There are also techniques to make the injection itself less painful. Examples include using a smaller needle and delivering the injection at a slower pace. Often, once the injection is over, the patient will sit comfortably through the rest of the pediatric root canal.

Nitrous oxide

The pediatric dentist may recommend easing the patient’s nerves with nitrous oxide if necessary. Also known as laughing gas, this can help the patient relax and remain calm throughout the procedure.

After the procedure

Cold compresses and saltwater rinses

The patient should not feel pain until the local anesthesia wears off — about two to four hours on average. Then, for the next 48 hours, pediatric dentists recommend icing the treated area of the mouth in 15-minute intervals to reduce pain and swelling. Rinsing the mouth with salt water can help in the same way.

OTC pain medication

Sometimes, additional pain relief is needed. In these cases, parents may consider administering children’s ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Both are available over the counter (OTC) at most grocery stores and pharmacies. Parents should consult a medical professional to ensure they use the correct medication and dosage. If pain persists or worsens, contact the pediatric dentist to ensure the area has not become infected.