Endodontic treatment may be recommended for children with a damaged or diseased tooth. These procedures can alleviate any pain that your child is experiencing and prevent further serious conditions.
We’ll explain when and how these treatments are performed for children so that your child can have a healthy smile again.
What is Endodontic Treatment?
Inflammation and infection are usually caused by:
- A deep cavity
- Cracked or fractured teeth
- Toothache
Root canals are the most common endodontic treatment for permanent teeth.
An endodontist, also known as a specialist in dental care, will use an anesthetic in order to numb the child and drill a hole in the tooth. The pulp, which is the nerve and blood vessels, would then be removed from the inner chamber. After disinfecting the area, they will fill and seal it. According to the American Association of Endodontists, 25 million root canal procedures are performed each year.
But what if it’s a baby tooth?
Many parents believe that a baby’s first tooth will eventually fall out so there is no need to treat it. However, infections can cause pain in your child’s mouth and lead to more serious problems.
Endodontic treatment for baby teeth can be done in two ways. Non-vital pulp therapy can also be done on permanent teeth. They can also be used on babies with more severe conditions.
Depending on the extent of the infection, vital pulp therapy may save or partially remove your child’s pulp. There are four types available for baby teeth.
- Protective base
If your child has tooth decay but the pulp is not affected, this procedure may be performed. The endodontist will clean the tooth and place a protective material inside the tooth before filling it. - Indirect pulp cap
This is when decay has reached your child’s pulp but not touched it. The majority of the decay in your child’s teeth is removed. Next, a protective dressing will be applied to the pulp. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, if the pulp is not vital or asymptomatic, it’s okay to leave some decay around the pulp. However, covering the area with a biocompatible substance can encourage the restoration of the dentin and prevent further decay. - Direct pulp limit
The AAPD states that direct pulp caps can be used to cover adult teeth when the pulp has an opening less than one millimeter. The opening could be due to injury or decay. To protect your child’s pulp, medicine would be applied to it. Then, a filling material would be added. - Vital pulpotomy
An endodontist can perform a vital pulpotomy to remove decayed or damaged pulp from a child’s tooth. The endodontist will take out the decay and infected pulp and leave the healthy root unaffected. A crown will cover the tooth’s interior and protect it from further damage.
Your child can avoid many of the complications associated with endodontic treatment by teaching them good oral hygiene habits and regularly visiting their dentist for checkups.
It doesn’t matter if your child requires any of these procedures. However, it is not too late to start a good oral hygiene routine. Both you and your child will be able to smile if they get started on the path of good oral hygiene.