When is a Baby Root Canal Necessary?

A baby root canal might be needed to save a child's tooth if it is infected or damaged. While the procedure may be anxiety-inducing for parents, it is important to know that pediatric dentists would not recommend it unless it was absolutely necessary. Additionally, the current technology allows pediatric dentists to perform baby root canals with little to no pain involved. Anesthetics and pain medications are used to offset any potential discomfort.

Baby root canals

Baby teeth might be temporary, but that does not make them any less important. They hold space for permanent teeth, which need to properly erupt in order for good oral health to be maintained. Because of their importance, it is necessary to understand when a baby root canal may be needed to salvage a tooth that is in bad shape.

When is a baby root canal needed?

When wondering if a child needs a baby root canal, it is good to keep an eye out for the following signs.

Fever
Persistent toothaches
A decayed tooth
A severely broken tooth
Pus coming out of a tooth

In short, a baby root canal will be needed if the child's tooth is not repairable through simpler means, such as a dental filling procedure. When baby teeth become infected or severely damaged, they are at risk of falling out, which can lead to multiple issues. It can result in other teeth moving out of their proper alignment and it can cause the permanent tooth to erupt abnormally.

Baby teeth falling out prematurely can also affect a child's speech. Teeth are used to pronounce certain words and not having a complete set can negatively impact a child's development. Lost baby teeth also affect a child's ability to chew properly. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies. A baby root canal helps to prevent tooth loss, as it restores the entire thing, making it strong and rehabilitated.

What to expect

A baby root canal procedure is pretty similar to an adult root canal. The goal is to remove the infected parts of the tooth and restore it back to its natural function and appearance. Below is an overview of the procedure, which can be helpful for parents to review.

The procedure

During a root canal, the pediatric dentist will administer a local anesthetic around the affected tooth. This keeps the child numb during the treatment. A hole is made with a dental drill and different-sized files are used to remove the soft tissues in the pulp chamber. Medication is applied to the area, then it is sealed off. The tooth might be fitted with a stainless steel crown to protect it until it is ready to erupt. The entire process should take less than 60 minutes and recovery is minimal.

Find out more about baby root canals.

Call or visit our Phoenix clinic if your child has a damaged or infected tooth. Our pediatric dentist can save the tooth with a baby root canal.

Request an appointment here: https://camelbackpedoortho.com or call Camelback Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics at (602) 595-3531 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.

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

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