Is Root Canal Treatment Necessary for Kids?

Has the pediatric dentist near you recommended a root canal for your child? You could probably be surprised by the recommendation and want to know why the child should be subjected to this treatment. However, if you attempt to understand that a root canal treatment is a method of saving a tooth affected by bacteria or inflammation by removing the pulp at the core of the tooth. You may wonder why the treatment should be provided as your child’s baby teeth are expected to fall off by themselves believing that trying to save a tooth that will be lost permanently may not be beneficial.

Pediatric dentist 29210 will be attempting to save a tooth from being lost prematurely rather than provide the treatment without reason to the child. Pediatric dentists understand the importance of saving baby tooth just as saving a fully developed adult tooth. They are aware that the premature loss of baby teeth interferes with the chewing ability, development of speech, and importantly the alignment of freshly developing permanent teeth. What is the reason why pediatric dentists recommend the root canal for a child?

• Baby tooth holds the space open for permanent teeth to erupt and all teeth do not fall off at the same time.
• Baby teeth will begin to shift in any gaps that form prematurely.
• The ultimate alignment of permanent teeth will be affected when baby teeth shift into empty gaps.

Explaining the Anatomy of the Tooth

All teeth have a protective coating on the exterior known as the enamel which is the hardest substance in the human body. However, deep decay from cavities (dental caries) or trauma to the tooth can damage the interior pulp. The pulp is located at the center of the tooth and is known as the pulp chamber and extends through passageways called canals which extend to the roots of the tooth.

The pulp chamber is filled with nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue and is important for the growth of all teeth. A fully developed tooth does not require it anymore despite the nerves remaining sensitive. Damage to the pulp results in pain indicating that something is wrong in the mouth. A root canal can eliminate the infection, remove all the pulp from within to be replaced by a sterile filling to protect it. Therefore, a root canal treatment is to eliminate pain and not cause it.

Diagnosis and the Symptoms

Endodontists, pediatric dentists and general dentists who have received additional training in this subject can perform root canal treatment in children. The pediatric dentist in Colombia, SC, will review your child’s entire medical history during the initial exam to understand whether any systemic disease also affects the child. If so, the child will require additional treatment. The dentist will also assess the cause of the pain to understand whether it is being stimulated as a response to hot or cold foods and beverages, is impacted with another tooth or any other conditions that may require a root canal. The treatment will only be recommended if the child is experiencing spontaneous pain which indicates extensive damage to the pulp. He or she will also take dental x-rays to determine what is happening inside the tooth and below the gum line.

The Treatment for Root Canal

Root canal treatment in Colombia, SC, is performed under local anesthesia to completely numb the affected tooth. The dentist will place a rubber dam around the tooth before performing the procedure. A miniature drill will be used by the dentist to create a small opening to access the pulp. The affected pulp tissue will be removed by the dentist with the help of tiny instruments before disinfecting the chamber with antibacterial solutions. Finally, the cleaned space will be filled up with gutta-percha which is a rubber-like material.

A dental crown or filling will become necessary after the pulp has been removed and the hollow space disinfected and cleaned. The pediatric dentist offering the treatment will use a biocompatible filling material to make sure it is absorbed by the child’s body.

Root Canal Treatments Can Protect Teeth and Save Smiles

The goal of the pediatric dentist in Colombia, SC, is to prevent pulp damage by helping children keep their teeth in healthy condition. It is the reason why they always recommend good dental hygiene practices, regular visits to the dentist’s office and using protective mouth guards when playing sports. Children may require a root canal just as adults and therefore parents should not be surprised if it is recommended to them by a pediatric dentist.