In pediatric dentistry, a root canal on a baby tooth is known as a pulpotomy. In this procedure, the nerve of the tooth is cleaned out and replaced with a biocompatible filling material. A silver or tooth-colored crown is then placed on the tooth. When this treatment option is presented to some parents, there may be questions about if it is absolutely necessary. After all, baby teeth are lost eventually. However, it is important that primary teeth are maintained until the permanent ones are ready to erupt. When parents understand the reason that this treatment is needed, a more informed decision can be made about how to proceed.
To help parents better understand why a pulpotomy is a useful pediatric dentistry treatment, there must be an understanding of when this procedure is recommended. A dentist should explain how and why the baby root canal is done.
Parents may wonder why the dentist cannot place a filling into the decayed tooth instead of doing a root canal. While dental fillings are a common procedure, they are not indicated in all situations. When a cavity grows into the nerve of the tooth, a filling is no longer substantial enough to treat the problem. In these cases, a pulpotomy and stainless steel crown, or cap, is needed.
When a baby tooth is lost too soon, the teeth on either side can drift into the empty space. This can cause major problems for permanent tooth eruption, and extensive orthodontic treatment may be needed. When a baby tooth is treated with a pulpotomy, the tooth is able to maintain its position until it is shed naturally.
When making treatment decisions for a child, it is important that the parent and dentist discuss all options. In some situations, a pulpotomy may not be recommended or possible. There are ways to minimize the effects of premature tooth loss, though.
In some situations, a tooth may be too infected to be treated with a baby root canal. Even after treated, the tooth may not have a good prognosis. Therefore, it is sometimes necessary for the baby tooth to be extracted. In order to keep the proper amount of space for the permanent tooth, a metal space maintainer may be placed. This prevents the adjacent teeth from shifting too much so the permanent ones can come in correctly.
Many parents face dental issues with children, and it is important that they understand common pediatric dentistry procedures and when they are needed. For the benefit of the child, parent and dentist, a careful discussion about all treatment options is needed. Preventive care can help detect problems in the early stages, so it is recommended that children visit a dentist at least twice yearly.
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.
Cavities can happen to anyone, but they are especially prevalent in children. However, composite fillings restore their primary and secondary teeth without sacrificing appearance. Composite resin, or tooth-colored fillings, allows children to receive the necessary repairs without using unattractive metals that parents may remember from their childhoods. Many pediatric dentists now use this approach for…
If your child has cavities caused by tooth decay, composite fillings can fill the hole, protect their teeth, and restore their smile. Many parents prefer this option for their kids because it has a more natural appearance and does not create an eyesore. Others prefer them because they do not contain the same ingredients as…
Pediatric dental patients with chipped or broken teeth have more options for tooth repair than in the past, such as composite fillings. These dental fillings can both restore a tooth and prevent the increased chance of gaps in the smile or shifting teeth that usually follows a tooth extraction. They can also provide a natural-looking…
A pediatric root canal can help preserve a child's oral health and prevent further complications when a tooth becomes damaged or infected. A dentist will determine if treatment is necessary based on symptoms and an examination. Understanding the signs of infection and the treatment process can help parents make the best decision for their child's…
Cavities can happen to anyone, but they are especially prevalent in children. However, composite fillings restore their primary and secondary teeth without sacrificing appearance. Composite resin, or tooth-colored fillings, allows children to receive the necessary repairs without using unattractive metals that parents may remember from their childhoods. Many pediatric dentists now use this approach for…
If your child has cavities caused by tooth decay, composite fillings can fill the hole, protect their teeth, and restore their smile. Many parents prefer this option for their kids because it has a more natural appearance and does not create an eyesore. Others prefer them because they do not contain the same ingredients as…