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.

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

Recent Posts

Oral Hygiene Basics: Choosing The Best Diet For Your Child’s Teeth

Healthy teeth are a vital part of eating and enjoying food, but certain foods can be more harmful to dental health than others. An important component of oral hygiene basics is learning about foods that help and hurt the teeth. This can allow parents to guide kids' choices when caring for their teeth. Read on…

Oral Hygiene Basics: What Drinks Your Child Should Avoid

When it comes to your child's oral hygiene basics, you probably think that changing the foods they consume can strengthen their teeth. However, drinks actually have a large impact on your child's teeth as well because the traces of particles from what they drink stay behind long after they have finished drinking. Here are drinks…

Commonly Asked Questions About Dental Sealants For Kids

Dental sealants for kids are a great way to help prevent cavities and protect your child's teeth. They are a safe, painless, and cost-effective treatment that can be applied quickly and easily. However, many parents have questions about how dental sealants for kids work and whether they are right for their children. We will answer…

Pediatric Tooth Extractions: A Guide For Parents On Healing And Care

While dentists aim to preserve natural teeth, pediatric tooth extractions are sometimes necessary. This can result from severely decayed teeth, addressing crowding, or making space for incoming permanent (adult) teeth. While the thought of tooth extractions can be concerning for parents, understanding the process and how to care for your child post-procedure can help ensure…

Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental

Share
Published by
Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental

Recent Posts

Oral Hygiene Basics: Choosing the Best Diet For Your Child’s Teeth

Healthy teeth are a vital part of eating and enjoying food, but certain foods can…

5 days ago

Oral Hygiene Basics: What Drinks Your Child Should Avoid

When it comes to your child's oral hygiene basics, you probably think that changing the…

6 days ago

Commonly Asked Questions About Dental Sealants for Kids

Dental sealants for kids are a great way to help prevent cavities and protect your…

1 week ago

Pediatric Tooth Extractions: A Guide for Parents on Healing and Care

Pediatric tooth extractions are a common procedure to promote better oral health for children.

1 week ago

Oral Hygiene Basics: Bad Habits to Avoid

A firm understanding of oral hygiene basics can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and general…

2 weeks ago

3 Questions to Ask Your Child’s Dentist About Oral Hygiene Basics

When you and your child visit the dentist, you expect to get your child’s teeth…

2 weeks ago