When Root Canals Are Necessary in Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentistry is an important part of your child’s health. Kids of all ages should regularly see the dentist for checkups and necessary treatments. Neglecting this care can lead to serious problems with the child’s oral wellness and overall health. You might not think of a root canal as an essential procedure. However, there might be times when the dentist would recommend this approach.

Understanding what happens during a root canal

Root canals can have a negative reputation as being unpleasant and painful. The truth is that the dentist can make this procedure as comfortable as possible and have only minor side effects. Before starting this treatment, the dentist will numb the patient with a local anesthetic. The dentist will then drill into the affected tooth and remove the pulp, a chamber that houses nerves, vessels, and tissue. The dentist will clean out the tooth, removing any decay and bacteria.

Once the tooth is clean, the dentist flushes it with a saline solution. Medication may be placed in the area to prevent infection or further decay. The dentist will seal the hole and then place a crown over the tooth. This stabilizes and strengthens the tooth.

The tooth is broken or damaged

Not every tooth problem will require that a child visits a pediatric dentistry office for a root canal. When there is physical damage to the tooth, however, this treatment is often required. When a tooth breaks or is cracked, it could expose the root. This increases the likelihood of bacteria getting deep into the tooth, causing an infection. Untreated, the infection could cause intense pain and eventually spread throughout the mouth and body. A root canal will remove the infection and seal the tooth.

The cavity is too large for a filling

Fillings can usually do an effective job of treating a cavity. When the cavity is severe, a root canal at the pediatric dentistry office may be the only way to repair the issue. Large cavities will get deep into the root and nerve of the tooth, making brushing and fillings insufficient treatments. Only by removing the pulp and thoroughly cleaning the tooth can the child feel relief from the pain and decay.

Pain and sensitivity

Small cavities can show up without a patient knowing about it. Only an X-ray at the pediatric dentistry office can detect one. Larger cavities are more obvious and usually manifest through prolonged pain and sensitivity to the heat or cold. These sensations are often indications that the person needs a root canal because the root and nerves have been affected.

Make an appointment at the pediatric dentistry clinic

Do not put off taking your child to the dentist if these issues are bothering them. You should not wait until your child is older to get this relief. The dentist has the knowledge and training to correct these conditions by performing a root canal on young patients of all ages. Call the dentist today and schedule a time to visit and take care of these serious matters.

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.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Middletown, NY.