Do Kids Need Root Canal?

Root canals are often necessary when a child has a cavity that has reached the tooth’s nerve. The child may experience pain, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or gum swelling when this happens. In some cases, endodontic treatment may be recommended even if there is no pain or other symptoms but the tooth is severely decayed.

A pediatric endodontist should decide to treat a child’s tooth with a root canal near you after careful examination and evaluation. If your dentist recommends endodontic therapy for your child, it is essential to understand that the procedure is safe and effective and will save your child’s natural tooth.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is done to remove a damaged or infected pulp. The pulp is the tissue that contains the blood vessels and nerves of the tooth. It can be infected because of bacteria or multiple dental procedures on the tooth.

A root canal procedure is the removal of the infected portion of a tooth and the restoration of nerve function. The Greeley pediatric dentist will remove the infected tissue from around the root, replace it with an artificial material, and restore nerves to the area. This procedure aims to restore normal function to the affected tooth and prevent permanent damage to surrounding teeth or oral structures.

Is a Root Canal Necessary for Kids?

Root canals are typically necessary when the decay or infection reaches the pulp, the tooth’s innermost layer. Signs and symptoms of root canal infection to look out for include:

• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Persistent pain that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter pain medication
• Swollen or tender gums around the affected tooth
• Visible decay or damage to the tooth

It’s important to take your child to see an emergency dentist near you if you notice these signs. While the problem can be resolved with a simple filling, a root canal may be necessary in some cases.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Root Canal for Kids

Endodontic treatment is necessary to save a decayed or damaged tooth. While this procedure is typically associated with adults, it may be recommended for children in certain situations.

Advantages:

• Root canal treatment for an infected tooth that would otherwise be lost.
• The procedure can help to relieve the pain and discomfort that a child may be experiencing.
• Root canal treatment can prevent further damage or infection from occurring.

Disadvantages:

• The procedure can be costly.
• There is a small risk of complications associated with root canal treatment, such as infection or nerve damage.
• The child may need additional dental work done in the future if the root canal does not entirely cure the problem.

How is a Root Canal Performed on Children?

The root canal procedure is usually done under local anesthesia. Your child will be awake during the procedure but should not feel any pain. If your child is very young, sedation may help keep them calm and relaxed.

After the anesthesia has taken effect, the pediatric dentist in Greeley, CO, will use a drill to create an opening in the top of the tooth so they can access the pulp chamber. They will then remove the damaged or diseased pulp using special instruments.

Once the pulp is removed, the cavity is cleaned and disinfected. A rubber-like material called gutta-percha will then fill the space where the pulp was removed. The opening in the tooth is sealed with a temporary filling until a permanent restoration can be placed. A tooth crown can be used to restore the function and strength of the teeth.

Schedule an Appointment

Root canals are a common and effective procedure for treating cavities in children, but they may not be necessary in all cases. There are many other preventive measures that parents should take to ensure their child’s teeth remain healthy, such as regular dental visits, brushing and flossing twice daily, and limiting sugary snacks. If your child does require a root canal, visit Toothtown of Greeley for assistance.