Pediatric Dentistry: When Is a Root Canal Needed on a Baby Tooth

pediatric dentistry Richmond, TX

Pediatric dentistry stresses the importance of keeping the primary teeth in place. For this reason, if your child’s tooth is damaged, your child may have a root canal procedure. This is done to save the tooth until it naturally falls out. But you may be wondering just when your child will need this type of procedure. Read on to learn more about root canal treatments.

When to get a root canal

Pain in a child’s tooth can indicate one of several different conditions. When the child goes into the dentist’s office, the tooth will be tested. The pain will also be assessed. There are many things that can cause pain in the tooth, including coldness or heat.

However, if the child has pain without provoking, there may be an issue. A child might need a root canal if there is damage from an injury or an infection. Constant throbbing is another sign that a root canal is needed. There are a few types of root canals that can be done.

Pulpotomy

The tooth has pulp in the center of it. This is located in the pulp chamber, which is in the middle of the tooth. There are passageways into the roots of the tooth, and the pulp can go into these passageways. If there is damage in the crown of the tooth, a child may have a pulpotomy.

The entire pulp chamber is removed because it is inflamed. The root of the tooth will be left alive and intact. The dentist will fill the empty part of the child’s tooth with dental cement. Then the child will receive a dental crown. This can be stainless steel or porcelain.

Pulpectomy

If the crown and the root of the tooth are infected, then the child will receive a pulpectomy. This is needed when the infection has started to spread. The dentist will remove all of the pulp material from the tooth. This includes both the crown and the tooth roots.

The pulp chamber will be cleaned and also disinfected. Then the roots of the tooth will be filled with the dental cement. Once this is done, the crown of the tooth will be filled as well. A crown will be placed after this procedure.

After a root canal

A child may need to eat soft foods while the crown sets for the first couple of days. The dentist can show the child the right way to care for the crown. This includes brushing and flossing it each day with the rest of the teeth. A child may need to use mouthwash too.

Choose pediatric dentistry today

Saving your child’s tooth is important for good oral health. The baby teeth can affect the permanent teeth for the rest of your child’s life. Pediatric dentistry can help your child have a healthy foundation for life. Making a pediatric dentistry appointment today can get your child the help that they need.

Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

How Kids Dentists Can Reverse Gingivitis

A kids dentist can prevent, treat, and reverse gum disease. Through comprehensive dental treatments, they can address the bacterial buildup that contributes to the earliest stage of gum disease, also known as gingivitis. Comprehensive gingivitis treatments may involve deep dental cleanings, enhanced oral hygiene, and other approaches. The goal is to effectively treat and reverse…

Why Baby Teeth Matter: Insights From A Kids Dentist

A kids dentist knows how crucial baby teeth are to a child's current and future health. Some mistakenly believe that baby teeth are less important because they eventually fall out and are replaced with adult teeth. Therefore, parents must understand baby teeth' vital role in their child's oral health and development to help ensure children…

Tips From A Kids Dentist On Teaching Oral Hygiene

Anything can feel like a hassle when it is not a habit, including oral hygiene. A kids dentist aims to help children develop long-term oral health by making oral hygiene a habit early in life. These dental providers can give advice tailored to your child during an appointment, such as by addressing specific difficulties like…

Dental Checkup For Kids: Do Kids Need Professional Teeth Cleanings?

A dental checkup for kids does more than look for cavities; it also gives the dental team a chance to remove buildup, monitor development, and support healthy habits at every stage of growth. Many parents wonder whether professional teeth cleanings are really necessary if a child brushes well at home each day. While home care…

Recent Posts

How Kids Dentists Can Reverse Gingivitis

How Kids Dentists Can Reverse Gingivitis

A kids dentist can prevent, treat, and reverse gum disease. Through comprehensive dental treatments, they can address the bacterial buildup that contributes to the earliest stage of gum disease, also known as gingivitis. Comprehensive gingivitis treatments may involve deep dental cleanings, enhanced oral hygiene, and other approaches. The goal is to effectively treat and reverse…

Why Baby Teeth Matter: Insights From A Kids Dentist

Why Baby Teeth Matter: Insights From A Kids Dentist

A kids dentist knows how crucial baby teeth are to a child's current and future health. Some mistakenly believe that baby teeth are less important because they eventually fall out and are replaced with adult teeth. Therefore, parents must understand baby teeth' vital role in their child's oral health and development to help ensure children…

¡WE SPEAK ENGLISH y HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL! WELCOME TO ALL