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

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.

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