How Pediatric Root Canals Work and Why They Are Necessary

A pediatric root canal is a routine dental procedure. While it can cause you to feel some concern or stress, this procedure is essential in protecting the future of your child's oral health. Understanding how pediatric root canals work and why they are important can help alleviate any worry about an upcoming appointment.

Understanding pediatric root canals

A pediatric root canal, also known as pulpotomy or pulpectomy, is a safe and effective treatment designed to save a child's severely decayed or infected tooth. While root canals are typically considered an adult dental treatment, there are situations where young patients need to undergo this procedure. Pediatric root canals can help treat a baby or permanent tooth.

Children may need a pediatric root canal for a variety of reasons. These reasons may include the following:

• Severe decay
• Injury or accident
• Infection
• An abscess is forming in the tooth
• Removing a tooth would cause speaking or eating issues
• Removing a tooth would impede the full function of the tongue or jaw

What happens during a pediatric root canal

During this procedure, the pediatric dentist will numb the affected area to ensure the child does not feel any pain. Once numbed, the dentist creates an opening in the crown of the tooth to access the infected pulp. They can then carefully remove the pulp from the tooth's interior using specialized instruments.

After removing the pump, the dentist will clean and disinfect the area to eliminate any remaining bacteria, preventing future damage or infection. The dentist will then fill and seal the tooth to restore its structure and integrity. In some cases, they may place a crown on top of the treated tooth to provide additional strength and function.

Why pediatric root canals are necessary

Pain relief

An infected or damaged tooth can cause severe pain and discomfort. A pediatric root canal can effectively alleviate the source of this pain, providing the child with significant relief. Also, the dentist will numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic to ensure the patient does not feel any sensations or pain during the root canal. While the child may experience more minor discomfort after the procedure than a dental filling, over-the-counter pain relievers like children's ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate pain and swelling.

Prevents the spread of infection

When an infected tooth is left untreated, it can spread to surrounding tissues in the mouth, causing abscesses. They can even cause health issues in other parts of the body. There are signs to watch for if the infection has spread, such as:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Face swelling
• Dehydration
• Increased heart or breathing rate
• Stomach pain or nausea

A dental infection can affect people of all ages and is especially dangerous in children. A pediatric root canal can stop the spread of infection, protecting the child's oral and overall health.

Preserves the child’s oral development

Some parents may consider not allowing their child to get a root canal if it is in a baby tooth. However, it is important to maintain the child's natural tooth structure to protect their oral development. When they lose a baby tooth prematurely, it can cause misalignment and spacing issues with their permanent teeth. A pediatric root canal can preserve the tooth, ensuring proper dental development.