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
Teaching your child to practice good oral hygiene basics is essential for setting them up for lifelong oral health. Here are four important ways children can maintain good oral health. Pediatric dentists recommend kids brush their teeth at least twice daily for two minutes each session. Brushing removes food particles left behind after eating and…
Keeping up with oral hygiene basics can prevent cavities and other issues with your child's teeth. Proper daily care can also stop discoloration of the teeth and reduce bad breath. Here are some dental habits that kids can benefit from as part of a daily routine.One of the most important parts of oral hygiene is…
Just like adults, children need preventive dental care — that is where pediatric dentistry comes in. Many parents believe that their child's teeth are healthy simply because their child is young. The truth is that oral health issues are as prevalent in kids as much as adults. Since they love sugary treats, the risk of…
Oral hygiene basics are crucial for promoting strong oral health in your child. While responsibly caring for your child's teeth requires attention throughout the day, it is equally important to establish a bedtime routine that focuses on maintaining oral hygiene. Following these tips can help you keep your child's teeth and gums healthy over time.Regularly…