At Children’s Dentistry of Naples, our goal is to preserve natural teeth whenever possible. An effective way to save an existing tooth that has an infection or severe decay is a baby root canal, also referred to as a pulpotomy.
What Is A Baby Root Canal?
A baby root canal is a procedure that restores an existing baby tooth. Baby root canals can be performed in our office and can be very effective in avoiding the need for a tooth extraction. A baby root canal works much like an adult root canal. When a filling isn’t sufficient for treating a decaying tooth, a baby root canal works by halting the decay and removing all of the areas that are threatening the health of the tooth.
Signs Of Needing A Root Canal
The following symptoms may indicate that your child is in need of a baby root canal:
- Pain when chewing
- Swollen gums
- Pimples on the gums
- Sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures
- Chipped or cracked tooth
The pulp of the tooth is deep inside the tooth. When an infection reaches this area of the tooth, a root canal is needed to get rid of the infection. Left untreated, the infection can lead to an abscess and an extraction may become necessary. The dentist can examine your child’s tooth and take x-rays if needed to determine if a root canal is the best option for preserving their tooth.
What Happens During A Root Canal Procedure?
Our team works to help your child feel comfortable throughout their entire visit. Topical anesthetic and local anesthesia will be used before the root canal procedure begins to keep your child from feeling pain throughout treatment.
Once the area surrounding the tooth is numb, the pulp of the tooth will be carefully removed as well as any areas that show signs of infection or decay. Next, the tooth will be thoroughly cleaned and sealed. The tooth will then be filled to restore its function and appearance. In some cases, a dental crown may be needed to fully restore the tooth.
Is A Root Canal Painful?
Local anesthesia makes it possible to perform root canals with little to no pain. Topical anesthetic, as well as dental sedation, are additional options for helping your child relax and feel comfortable throughout treatment. As a team, we want to help your child have the best experience possible while caring for their smile.
Post Root Canal Recovery
Following their root canal procedure, your child may have some soreness or pain once the numbing has worn away. You can use over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen if needed. We recommend avoiding food or drink while their mouth is still numb to prevent injuries such as biting their cheek or tongue. When their procedure is complete, your child can return to their normal routine.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you believe that your child has signs of needing a baby root canal in the Naples, FL area, give our team a call today! Our team will examine your child’s tooth, take x-rays if needed and provide the best recommendations for treatment. Call our team today!
