At Children’s Dentistry of the Palm Beaches, preserving natural teeth is important to us. For this reason, we offer treatments such as baby root canals to treat teeth when extraction can be avoided. If your child is showing symptoms of needing a baby root canal in the Palm Beach Gardens, FL area, contact our team today to schedule your consultation!
What Is A Baby Root Canal?
A baby root canal, also referred to as a pulpotomy, is needed when an infection has reached the pulp of the tooth. With deep infection, a root canal procedure can remove the areas that are endangering the tooth to help avoid extraction and treat dental pain. A baby root canal is needed when a filling is not sufficient for restoring the tooth.
Signs Of Needing A Root Canal
The following symptoms may indicate that your child is in need of a baby root canal:
- Pain when chewing
- Swollen gums
- Pimples on the gums
- Sensitivity to cold & hot temperatures
- Cracked or chipped tooth
When an infection has spread deep inside the tooth, reaching the pulp of the tooth, a baby root canal is needed to remove all infection. A baby root canal is much like an adult root canal but is used to treat primary teeth. Avoiding treatment can result in a more serious tooth condition such as an abscess or could lead to the need for a tooth extraction. To determine if your child needs a root canal, the dentist will take x-rays and examine the tooth.
What Happens During A Root Canal Procedure?
Our team will do everything we can to make your child completely comfortable during their visit. With root canal procedures, topical anesthetic and local anesthesia are used before treatment begins to numb the area around the tooth.
Once the area around the tooth is numb, the dentist will work to carefully remove any areas of the tooth that are decayed or infected including the pulp of the tooth. The tooth will then be cleaned and sealed. Lastly, the tooth will be filled to help restore its function and appearance of the tooth. A dental crown may be necessary to cover the tooth depending on how much of the tooth was removed.
Is A Root Canal Painful?
With the help of local anesthesia, a baby root canal can be performed with little or no pain. Options such as topical anesthetic and dental sedation can also help your child feel completely relaxed throughout their visit. We’ll work with you to help your child have the best overall experience.
Post Root Canal Recovery
Your child may experience some pain or discomfort when the numbing has faded. Over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be helpful in relieving this pain. By avoiding food or drink until the numbing has worn away, you can help your child avoid injuries from biting their cheeks or tongue. Once the root canal is completed, your child should be able to return to their normal routine.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If your child is showing signs of needing a baby root canal, we recommend scheduling a consultation. The dentist will examine your child’s tooth and determine if root canal treatment is the best way to preserve their smile. Call our team to schedule your visit today!
