What Is a Baby Root Canal?
A baby root canal sounds a bit scary, right? But this restorative treatment may be necessary whenever a tooth has a cavity or infection near the root. It’s not as frightening as it sounds, especially when performed by a skilled dental provider. In fact, we perform pain-free root canals in Tukwila, WA.
However, you may still have questions since this procedure is typically thought to be performed on adults.
Fortunately, once you understand ‘what is a baby root canal’ and the reasons and circumstances under which it’s required, you can make an informed decision about your little one’s oral health.
Understanding a baby root canal
A baby root canal is a dental procedure our Tukwila dentist at Benca Dentistry performs on children with deep cavities or infected teeth that have reached the pulp chamber.
The pulp chamber houses the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues that keep the tooth alive and healthy. When the pulp becomes infected or damaged, a baby root canal becomes necessary to save the tooth and prevent further complications. It also stops any pain.
Importance of a baby root canal
Preserving primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, is crucial for several reasons. For example, primary teeth help children with chewing, speaking, and maintaining proper alignment of their permanent teeth.
Premature loss of primary teeth due to decay or infection can lead to oral health issues, such as:
- Misalignment
- Crowding
- Difficulty in speech development.
A baby root canal can save the affected tooth, allowing it to function normally until the permanent tooth erupts.
The procedure
This procedure involves removing the infected pulp from the tooth and cleaning the root canals thoroughly.
A dentist from our practice performs this procedure under local anesthesia to ensure the child’s comfort. Once we remove the infected pulp, we’ll fill the canals with a biocompatible material and place a dental crown over the treated tooth to provide strength and protection.
Typically, we complete baby root canals in one or two appointments, depending on the severity of the infection.
Choosing a pediatric dentist
When it comes to your child’s dental health, it’s important to seek the expertise of a practitioner with experience in this area of dental medicine, like a Tukwila dentist from our practice.
They have training and skill in treating children, considering their comfort, creating a friendly environment for young patients, and ensuring optimal results.
These professionals can handle the unique challenges that may arise during baby root canal procedures, making sure your little one receives the best possible outcome.
Aftercare and follow-up
Following a baby root canal, help your child maintain proper oral hygiene practices and prevent complications and future decay or infections.
For instance, encourage your child to:
- Brush their teeth twice a day
- Floss regularly
- Attend regular dental checkups.
Your pediatric dentist will monitor the treated tooth to make sure it’s properly healing. In some cases, we may recommend additional measures, such as dental sealants or fluoride treatments, to prevent further decay and protect the surrounding teeth.
A baby root canal is a vital dental treatment that can save your child’s tooth and promote their overall oral health, and we help make it a positive experience!
You can make an informed decision about your little one’s dental care by understanding what a baby root canal entails and its significance. Moreover, following proper aftercare guidelines will promote a smooth and successful recovery.
Remember, early intervention and timely treatment can make all the difference in preserving your child’s precious smile.
Book an appointment today if you suspect your child may need a baby root canal.
Or:
- Call us at: 206-575-1173
- Email us at: info@bencadds.com
Not in Tukwila? Not a problem! We accept patients from the nearby cities of SeaTac, White Center, Des Moines, Kent, Newcastle, Burien, and Renton.
