When is a Pediatric Root Canal Necessary?

Pediatric root canals are often the last option to save a child's natural teeth. They help remove any threat to a tooth's inner structure, keeping it alive and healthy. This has a positive ripple effect throughout the child's development. Learn when the dentist may recommend this procedure.

Understanding a pediatric root canal

A pediatric root canal's, or pulpectomy's, main purpose is to help preserve the natural tooth structure for as long as possible. The dentist does this by removing the tooth's pulp, the inner structure that houses the nerves and connective tissue, and replacing it with a sterile material called gutta-percha. They then restore the tooth's appearance, function, and protection with a restorative called a dental crown or cap. This crown will completely engulf the tooth and stay in place until the baby tooth is ready to fall out on its own, making room for the adult tooth to erupt.

Why a pediatric root canal is necessary

As previously mentioned, the primary aim of a pediatric root canal is to preserve the natural baby teeth. Preserving the health and structure of baby teeth should be the main goal of any pediatric dentist. This is because the baby teeth play a large role in a child's overall development. They have the following roles:

• Act as a guide for permanent (adult) teeth
• Help shape the face as the child’s grows
• Helps children adopt a well-balanced, textured diet
• Helps children break down food safely
• Prevent jawbone from deteriorating
• Prevent gum tissue from deteriorating
• Help with word pronunciation

It is important to remember that baby teeth are still susceptible to damage, like adult teeth. However, when they become damaged, it causes a ripple effect later in life. This ripple effect can result in more extensive procedures or treatments down the line, such as alignment appliances, surgeries, speech classes, and more.

Signs a pediatric root canal is necessary

It is not always obvious to parents when a pediatric root canal is necessary. Therefore, if their child is showing any of these signs, schedule an appointment with our office immediately:

• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Sharp or dull pain
• General tenderness
• Inflammation or swelling in the gums
• A bump that resembles a pimple in the gums
• Tooth fracture

These are all signs that the pulp chamber has become compromised or an infection is present.

Furthermore, dentists always stress the importance of maintaining biannual dental appointments. While some conditions happen suddenly, like a tooth fracture, others take time to form. Dentists aim to catch these issues before extensive procedures are necessary. Dentists and their teams can help parents support their children in properly caring for their teeth by providing preventative services, oral health education, and recommending products unique to their child's needs.