When Does My Child Need a Baby Root Canal?

A baby root canal is a procedure performed to remove diseased pulp inside the root of a tooth. When an infection occurs, it puts the tooth in jeopardy and other oral health concerns can develop. While it is not ideal for a child to need a baby root canal, it is sometimes necessary and an experienced dentist can ensure the process is as painless as possible. 

When to consider a baby root canal

A baby root canal is commonly used to treat infected pulp, but there are other, more specific instances when a baby root canal might be necessary. Several of the more common reasons a baby root canal is commonly performed include treating a tooth infection, a dental abscess, a damaged tooth or dental cavities. 

Tooth infection

A tooth infection occurs when bacteria invade the dental pulp inside of the tooth. This can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms and there is a risk of the infection spreading to other parts of the mouth. Since the pulp inside of a tooth contains blood vessels and nerves, the tooth may become sensitive and painful. Infections commonly occur when the root of the tooth is exposed, which can occur due to a dental cavity, gum recession or a variety of other causes.

Dental abscess

A dental abscess often results after a tooth infection. It is a pocket of pus that develops in or near the root of the tooth. A dental abscess is rather severe, and it can make the symptoms of the infection worse, as well as, increase the risk of the infection spreading. A baby root canal can treat both a tooth infection and the dental abscess by removing the diseased tissue and replacing it with a healthy filling material. 

Damaged tooth

A baby root canal seeks to fix issues with teeth that extend to the root of the tooth. Oftentimes, this is due to an oral infection or cavity, but dental trauma that extends to the root of the tooth may cause the need for a baby root canal, as well. For example, a child who chips or cracks their tooth may need a baby root canal if it damages the root. In many instances, a crown is placed after repairing a damaged tooth with a baby root canal.

Dental cavities

There are instances where a severe dental cavity cannot be properly treated by a dental filling. If the cavity becomes severe and affects the root of the tooth, then the child may need a baby root canal to remove any damaged tissue and to fill the cavity with a healthy substitute material. 

Find out more about a baby root canal

Learn more about baby root canals by getting in touch with us today. An exam can be performed in order to determine what the cause of the problem is. Then, a baby root canal can be performed in order to remedy the problem.

Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.

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