Pediatric Root Canals

Here at Great Outdoors Pediatric Dentistry, we realize the importance of baby teeth and will do all we can to keep these teeth intact rather than prematurely extract them. For this reason, we may recommend root canal therapy for your child as an option to save a baby tooth affected by infection or extensive decay.

Why Your Child Might Need A Root Canal

If your child feels extreme pain in a tooth, is experiencing sensitivity to temperatures or sugary foods, or if the tooth has been cracked or chipped, root canal therapy may be needed. These symptoms can be indicators of tooth decay or a dental cavity that has deepened and reached the pulp of the tooth. Once this occurs, the infected pulp will need to be removed and a crown will be placed over the affected tooth.

Differences Between A Pediatric Root Canal & An Adult Root Canal

Root canals performed on children are much faster and less painful than adult root canals. This is because only the infected pulp on the surface nerve structure is removed, meaning that the dentist will not need to use any special instruments to remove the pulp from the tooth roots. Once the procedure is complete, a crown will be placed over the affected tooth in order to protect it from further damage.

Many parents have questions about how the tooth will fall out once a crown is placed over the top. Luckily, a crown will not affect the incoming adult tooth at all. The tooth will become loose and fall out just like any of the child’s other natural teeth.

To decrease the chances of more damage being done to the tooth, it’s important to continue to practice good oral hygiene habits at home. This means brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and visiting Great Outdoors Pediatric Dentistry every six months for a dental cleaning and exam. If your child experiences continuing pain or irritation of the tooth after the root canal is performed, please bring him or her back to our office for evaluation.

If you believe your child needs root canal therapy, or to make an appointment at our office, please contact Great Outdoors Pediatric Dentistry, located in Dover, NH.