Baby Root Canals: What Parents Need To Know about Saving Baby Teeth

Baby Root Canal Dumont, NJ

Does your child need a baby root canal? Read on to learn more about this restoration. Pediatric dentists typically prioritize prevention, mostly to avoid procedures like a baby root canal. However, sometimes, a root canal can be suggested when a primary tooth is severely damaged. For parents, this might be surprising. Since the baby's teeth with eventually fall out, one might question the need to save them. However, these little pearly whites do serve several functions, including chewing, speaking, and allowing room for the permanent teeth to come through properly. Therefore, if it isn’t time for the tooth to fall out naturally, it might be best to try to save it with a baby root canal instead of an extraction.

An overview of baby root canals

The exterior of all teeth has an incredibly tough coating called enamel. Dentin, which is the layer under the enamel, is also hard, though it has microscopic tubes. When dentin is exposed after enamel erodes, cold and hot sensations can travel through these tubes and cause teeth to ache. The pulp is also found underneath these layers in the pulp chamber and passageways called canals. It is a living tissue with nerves and blood vessels.

When a baby root canal is recommended

Trauma such as sports injuries can infect and inflame the pulp. Bacteria and deep cavities in kids can harm the pulp too. If untreated, the infection might spread into the canals and to the tips of the roots of the teeth, causing serious pain and an abscess.

Parents will need to visit the dental office to determine whether their kid needs root canals or not. The dentist will use advanced diagnostics to see what is inside the child's teeth and how best to proceed. However, if the child is experiencing signs like a needling, throbbing pain, sensitivity to hot and cold that lasts after eating or drinking, a darkening tooth, and considerable pain when eating or exerting pressure on the teeth, then a baby root canal might be necessary.

The reason dentists perform root canals on baby teeth is to preserve the rest of the tooth system related to the main tooth and keep the gums and bones that hold it together secure. Baby root canals can keep the teeth healthy and help prevent future infections. Except in cases where the tooth will soon fall out, a root canal on a baby tooth might be an alternative rather than an extraction.

What happens during the baby root canal procedure?

Root canals have a bad reputation but pediatric dentists utilize modern methods and technology so the child will be comfortable throughout the treatment. Many patients think the experience is like getting a filling. Dental professionals also provide sedation dentistry for kids who need special attention, like nervous children or children who need extensive procedures.

The pulpotomy, or baby root canal therapy, involves numbing the gums and teeth. After that, using smaller tools, the dentist will remove the damaged pulp and nerve. They will completely clean and sterilize the area before applying medication. The last step is to seal the little hole that is left. To protect the tooth, a crown is usually recommended. The crown restores the tooth’s shape and protects it.

Final note

Pediatric dentists treat patients conservatively and work to preserve the natural structure of the tooth. If a baby root canal is the most effective option for your kid, the dental professional will explain all the options and recommend what you should do next. Book an appointment with our dental office today to get started.

Request an appointment here: https://novapedsdentistry.com or call Nova Pediatric Dentistry at (201) 812-2952 for an appointment in our Dumont office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Do I Need a Root Canal in Dumont, NJ.

Recent Posts

Pediatric Dental Procedure - Pulpotomy And Baby Teeth

A pulpotomy is performed on baby teeth and is one of the more highly recommended pediatric dental procedures for dealing with severe tooth decay that has led to an infected dental pulp in the root of the tooth. A pulpotomy is often necessary to save a decayed baby tooth (especially molars) from falling out early.Although…

6 FAQs About What To Expect From A Dental Checkup For Kids

Making sure your child undergoes a dental checkup for kids regularly is important for ensuring their continued oral health and avoiding the onset or exacerbation of dental problems. These visits allow the dentist to monitor a child's oral health, teach good oral hygiene practices, and address any problems promptly.Parents may have questions regarding their children's…

What Happens During A Pediatric Dentistry Check-up?

Now that your baby’s first teeth are starting to appear, it is time to start thinking about when to book an appointment at a pediatric dentistry office. By now, you are used to going to the dentist yourself, but this new experience for your child may make you anxious. Luckily, there is nothing to fear…

The Role Of Preventive Dentistry In Pediatric Oral Health

Preventive dentistry is a valuable component of your child’s oral health. Young teeth need the highest level of protection. Providing treatments that will keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy will elevate your child’s formative years. Here are the details about the role of preventive dentistry in your child’s oral health.Digital dental X-rays are part…

Recent Posts

How Does Children&#    ;s Dental Care Differ From Adult Dental Care?

How Does Children's Dental Care Differ From Adult Dental Care?

Looking for more information on children’s dental care? Good idea. This information is especially beneficial for new parents, as they need to fully understand the dental care requirements recommended by dental professionals. There are dental guidelines in place that listWanting more insight on children’s dental care? When children are sitting in a dental chair, there…

How Dental Sealants Prevent Cavities In Kids

How Dental Sealants Prevent Cavities In Kids

Dental sealants are one of the most powerful preventive care treatments for kids. Because children are especially vulnerable to cavities, parents need all the help they can get to help their kids fight tooth decay. Through this simple and pain-free procedure, your child can get powerful and long-lasting cavity protection on some of their most…