What is a Baby Root Canal?
A baby root canal can sound scary, but it’s a gentle, protective treatment that saves a tooth and eases discomfort. Here’s what it is, when it’s needed, and how to help your child feel brave.
A baby root canal is not a pleasant experience for children or for their parents, but it is sometimes necessary to ensure the tooth does not cause discomfort or fall out too early. There are many benefits a baby root canal can offer, and learning more about it is a great way to deal with any anxieties that may exist.
An overview of a baby root canal
Many dentists will use other treatment options such as a dental filling when possible to treat tooth decay, but there are times when a filling is not enough and a baby root canal is needed. The following is an overview of what a baby root canal is and when children may need to have one performed.
Baby root canal defined
A baby root canal is a dental procedure designed to remove infected pulp inside of a primary tooth. A tooth’s pulp is located in the root of a tooth and contains blood vessels and nerves. Due to this, the symptoms of an infected tooth are often discomforting. While treating the discomfort is a primary reason for a baby root canal, it also is performed to preserve the tooth and keep it from falling out. This helps ensure the child’s permanent teeth come through correctly, which does not always occur if baby teeth fall out too early.
When a baby root canal is necessary
A baby root canal is most commonly performed when there is a tooth infection. In some instances, the tooth infection can worsen and lead to a dental abscess, which is also treatable by a baby root canal. Dentists sometimes also recommend a baby root canal for children who have experienced severe tooth decay, particularly if the decay is not able to be treated with a direct dental restoration (dental filling). Some instances of dental trauma may result in the need for a baby root canal.
The baby root canal process
A root canal involves accessing the dental pulp, removing the infected tissue, cleaning the area and filling it with a healthy substitute. While this may seem simple, it is more complex than a dental filling and should be performed by an experienced dentist. After the root canal is complete, the dentist may place a temporary or permanent crown to complete the restoration.
How to prepare my child for treatment
Children may experience dental anxiety before a baby root canal as they do not know what to expect. Parents can help them by explaining the process in a gentle manner and keeping a positive attitude on the day of the visit. Also, be sure to reward them for being very brave and making it through the treatment process to help them view visiting the dentist in a more positive manner.
Reach out today for more baby root canal information
Symptoms of an infected tooth, dental abscess or severe cavity should be addressed by a dentist who may recommend a baby root canal.
Parents also ask.
Because losing a baby tooth too early can keep the permanent tooth underneath from coming in correctly. Baby teeth hold their place until the adult teeth are ready, so preserving an infected tooth protects your child’s future smile as well as the current one. A baby root canal also relieves the discomfort the infection is causing right now.
Only a dental exam can tell for sure, since dentists use a filling whenever possible and reserve a baby root canal for deeper problems. It becomes necessary when infection reaches the pulp inside the tooth, an abscess has formed, decay is too severe for a filling, or the tooth has suffered significant trauma. If a tooth has been bothering your child, call or text us at (760) 730-3456 and we will help you figure out the right next step.
The cleaned tooth is filled with a healthy substitute, and the dentist may then place a temporary or permanent crown to complete the restoration. The crown protects the treated tooth so it can keep chewing and holding space until it is naturally ready to come out.
Want the deeper answers? Dr. Tsai answers the 20 questions parents ask most in our Comprehensive FAQ.