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Baby tooth root canals can restore your child’s teeth and oral health.

Questions & answers

Baby tooth root canals

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What are the types of baby tooth root canals?

The two types of baby tooth root canals are pulpectomies and pulpotomies. Pulpotomies are used when infection has not reached the tooth roots and our dentists and team only need to clean, disinfect and seal the pulp chamber. Pulpectomy is recommended when the pulp chamber and tooth roots are infected and involves cleaning the roots and pulp chamber of the treated tooth prior to sealing it.

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When might a pediatric dentist recommend a root canal?

Our dentists may recommend a baby tooth root canal if your child’s teeth are infected or damaged to the point where the inner nerves of the tooth are being affected. Baby teeth perform vital functions in the mouth, including preserving space for the permanent teeth, and a root canal is preferred to removing the tooth entirely.

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How is the procedure performed?

Our dentists will first numb the treatment area to help your child remain comfortable. A small hole is drilled into the tooth and files are used to remove the dental pulp. Our dentists will then place medication into the opening of the tooth to sterilize the pulp chamber and seal the tooth against harmful bacteria. The tooth is then sealed with a composite resin or crown to finish your child’s procedure.

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How long does the procedure take?

Baby tooth root canals can usually be completed in about an hour. Depending on your child’s ability to sit still and the extent of their oral health needs, our dentists may segment the treatment so your child can take breaks. We also offer sedation options to help your child remain calm and comfortable.

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Are baby tooth root canals painful?

Most discomfort associated with this procedure comes from the infection, rather than the treatment. The infection inflames densely packed tissues with nerves, making the tooth extremely sensitive. During your child’s procedure, our dentists will use local anesthetics and other sedation options to help your child feel comfortable, and they should only feel slight pressure during their treatment. Any discomfort after treatment is completed should be minimal and subside quickly.

Baby tooth root canals

 
Pulpotomy for baby teeth

Pulpotomy is an endodontic treatment recommended for baby teeth. When injury or decay reaches the dental pulp, or innermost layers, of your child’s teeth, they will experience tooth pain, sensitivity and other discomfort. A pulpotomy treats this tooth before the infection requires it to be extracted so that your child can regain a healthy smile.

What to expect

When your child receives a pulpotomy, our dentists will remove the decayed and injured tissues inside the pulp chamber of the tooth. The area is sterilized, but unlike regular root canals procedures for adults, not all the tooth nerves may be removed or treated. This helps maintain the vitality of the remaining healthy dental pulp. In cases like this our dentists will provide a therapeutic dressing to maintain the remaining healthy pulp. Following the removal of the decayed pulp and the cleaning of the tooth, we will provide a dental crown to cap the tooth and complete the treatment.

Pulpotomy, or a baby tooth root canal, is typically recommended when decay has reached the pulp and nerves of the tooth but most of the pulp is still healthy. If the tooth roots have not yet finished forming, a partial pulpotomy can give the tooth a chance to finish its development.

Please contact our office if you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with our dentists.

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We believe that everyone deserves to receive quality dental care tailored to their individual needs. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment and receive personalized, comprehensive care!