Root Canal Therapy for KidsBurbank, CA

Understanding Root Canal Therapy

A root canal for children differs from a root canal for adults. Unlike adult root canals that remove the entirety of the inner pulp tissue, root canal therapy for kids involves only partial nerve treatment. This procedure is also known as a pulpotomy and is a quicker and less invasive process.

When the innermost layer of a tooth suffers damage, bacteria in the mouth can affect the pulp, causing infection and inflammation. Infected teeth can threaten the gums, the tooth’s life, and the rest of the mouth. This procedure is an effective solution for children as it does not touch the actual root canals of the tooth and leaves the tooth roots intact so they can still grow.

Reasons for Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy can save a tooth with severe trauma or infection, so long as there is enough healthy pulp in the tooth. When tooth decay deepens and moves near the pulp chamber, it irritates and inflames the tissue, causing pain. Without treatment, the infection will worsen and become abscessed. Root canal therapy can prevent further infection and relieve toothaches.

Dentists are the only ones who can confirm whether a child requires root canal therapy. Still, there are some symptoms that parents should watch out for:

• Chips or cracks in the teeth
• Persistent pain
• Swollen gums, cheeks, or jaw
• Tenderness when touching the area

What To Expect During Root Canal Therapy

Before the procedure, we will provide numbing to prevent pain and discomfort in the patient’s mouth. We will then isolate the tooth before removing the diseased top layer of the tissue and stabilizing it. After the decay removal, an assessment of the remaining nerves’ health occurs.

If the nerves are healthy, we will disinfect and seal off that portion of the tissue. The tooth then receives a baby crown to protect and restore its normal, healthy function. Once the treatment is complete, tooth pain should disappear, and patients can return to their normal activities.

Root Canal Therapy Alternatives

When children have a deep cavity or traumatic injury, root canal therapy is usually the best course of treatment. However, another alternative is tooth extraction. Tooth extraction is usually the last resort for problems like large cavities, severe fractures, or cracks that extend below the gumline.

Extractions are recommended for situations where the tooth is not salvageable. The child’s natural baby tooth is the best space maintainer for permanent teeth. Premature loss of a baby tooth can cause the permanent teeth to come in crooked or crowded. When possible, it is important to preserve baby teeth until they are ready to fall out to preserve the jaw’s integrity.

Root Canal Therapy Aftercare

After root canal therapy, patients may experience minimal bleeding and pain once the numbness wears off. These side effects are normal and should disappear after a few hours. No eating or drinking should occur while numbness is present to avoid biting the inner cheek.

There should also be no eating or drinking on the side of the mouth where the treatment occurred. It is best to stick with soft foods or soups instead of crunchy foods that are hard to eat and can cause damage. It is also important to maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing while being careful around the treatment area, to assist with healing and to prevent inflammation.

Call Us Today

For many children, root canal therapy can be the last viable option to save a natural tooth. Our team at Star Kids Dental & Orthodontics can help. Call us today at 818-483-9064 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a crown necessary?

After root canal therapy, a crown is placed on top of the tooth and becomes the outer surface. A crown is necessary to protect the treated tooth and improve its strength and durability. This restoration helps give the repaired tooth the best chance for success.

What is pulp?

The pulp is the innermost tissue of a tooth. It consists of blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves. When tooth decay reaches the pulp, root canal therapy is necessary to remove the infected tissue.

How long does root canal therapy take?

Root canal therapy usually takes between 30 to 45 minutes. This length will vary depending on the patient and their condition. Some cases can take slightly longer. Parents can discuss the timing with our team during their child’s appointment.

What abnormal side effects should parents watch out for?

Persistent or intense pain after root canal therapy can signal that additional treatment is necessary. Children who experience new swelling, redness, or pain after the first few days following the procedure should contact our office. These symptoms can be a sign of a tooth infection.

How can children avoid root canal therapy?

The best way to avoid root canal therapy is to prevent tooth infection and decay from happening in the first place. Parents can help children build healthy oral hygiene routines by teaching them to brush and floss. It is also important to get regular dental check-ups.