Root canals can be intimidating for adults, and being told that your child needs a root canal can be especially frightening. Knowing what to expect will help you and your child get through this process, and it’s important to understand that root canals are common and safe. The procedure is very straightforward, and a root canal can eliminate your child’s pain and discomfort. Your dentist in Kingsville will make sure your child feels comfortable while in the dental chair and will address all of your concerns and answer questions before your child’s procedure.
What is a root canal treatment?
The pulp located inside the tooth can become inflamed and infected when a tooth is damaged. If this is left untreated, the infection can spread to the tooth’s root and form an abscess, this infection is very painful and will not go away on its own. Treatment is necessary, and root canals are used to treat this infection within the tooth’s pulp.
A root canal will remove the infection while preserving the tooth, gum tissue and supporting bones. Root canals will always be recommended over tooth extractions when possible, and this is true even with children. Baby teeth are important and serve many important functions and this is why it’s preferable to preserve them rather than extraction.
Root Canal Procedure for Children
Root canal treatments are the same for children as they are for adults, although your dentist in Kingsville may recommend a sedative if your child is very young or nervous or has special needs. The root canal procedure will be completed over two appointments, and here is what you can expect:
1st appointment.
Your child will be given a sedative or local anesthetic, after which a dental dam will be used to isolate the infected tooth. The crown of the tooth will be opened, and the infected pulp will be removed with small dental instruments.
The area (including the affected roots) will be cleaned, disinfected and sterilized to eliminate bacteria, and a temporary filling will be placed inside the crown to protect the tooth. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection has spread beyond the roots.
2nd appointment.
This appointment will be scheduled after your child has had time to heal, and the temporary filling will be removed, after which the root channel will be permanently filled and sealed. A permanent filling or pediatric crown will restore the original size, shape and function of your child’s tooth.
When does a child need a root canal?
Children often require root canal treatments because of injuries or severe tooth decay. A blow to the face while playing sports can damage a tooth and cause inflammation and infection, and if the crack in your child’s tooth reaches the soft tissue, a root canal may be needed to remove the resulting infection.
Poor oral hygiene and unhealthy eating habits can lead to cavities in children, and if these are not treated, they will progress into serious tooth infections, and root canals may be required.
Safety
Root canals are safe for everyone, including children, and a reputable dentist in Kingsville will perform root canal treatment for your child to treat severe infections. Deciding not to proceed with a root canal treatment for your child can be far more dangerous because the infection can spread and lead to even more serious health issues.
Your child should not feel any pain during the root canal procedure because a local anesthetic or sedative will be provided. They may feel some discomfort and sensitivity afterwards, but ibuprofen and other pain relievers can help your child manage any soreness.
Remember, the infection within your child’s tooth will cause them severe pain, but a root canal procedure will not.
Give Your Child the Best Treatment in Toronto
Are you looking for children’s root canal treatment in Toronto? Kingsville Family Dental can help! Our dentist will remove the infection from the pulp of your child’s tooth to prevent spreading and put an end to their pain. Our dental clinic will make sure both parents and children are comfortable and a root canal procedure is very safe and straightforward and also very common.
We have performed root canals on patients of all ages, and you can contact us at any time to learn more about root canal treatment for children or to schedule an appointment.
Recent Comments