Baby Root CanalReston, VA

What to Expect

During a baby root canal, the pediatric dentist will first use a local anesthetic to numb the area thoroughly. After isolating the tooth, we will then remove any decay and assess the health of the tooth's nerve. If the removal of the decay results in exposure of the nerve, or nerve damage, we will remove the infected part of the nerve.

The pediatric dentist will then make sure the rest of the nerve is healthy. If it is, we will apply medicine to heal the nerve. The tooth will then be built back up and covered with a crown. The crown covers the tooth and gives it strength to keep it from fracturing later. It restores the child's tooth to its normal size, shape, and function to help it resemble the rest of the teeth.

The Healing Process

After a baby root canal, the child should be able to return to normal activities right away. Eating should be avoided until the area is no longer numb from the anesthetic. This prevents the child from accidentally biting the lip or cheek. If the tooth was severely infected, the pediatric dentist might prescribe antibiotics. The area around the tooth may be slightly swollen and sensitive for a few days, so an over-the-counter pain reliever designed for children can help make the child more comfortable.

Since the procedure does not require stitches, no extra care around the procedure's site will be necessary. The child should continue brushing and flossing twice a day as normal to maintain good oral health. The baby root canal will hold until the child’s permanent tooth comes through the gums.

Post-Procedure Guidelines

Following a baby root canal procedure, patients should rest and avoid any strenuous activity. We may recommend medication and antibiotics to prevent inflammation or infection in the treatment area. The patient will need to go over specific instructions with the dentist before leaving.

Although it is rare, it is possible to get an infection after a baby root canal. Parents should call the pediatric dentist if their child experiences increasing pain, new inflammation or signs of infection around the tooth, increased tooth sensitivity to hot and cold, or an inability to chew on the tooth. These are all signs of a possible infection and should be treated immediately.

When a Baby Root Canal is Necessary

A baby root canal and subsequent crown are necessary when the tooth has a large cavity or is broken. A filling is not durable enough to repair severely decayed or fractured teeth due to the risk of falling out, breaking, or wearing out. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a baby tooth with extensive decay is unlikely to be fixed with a traditional filling. However, it is possible to restore it with a stainless steel crown.

While it may seem silly to try to repair a baby tooth, keeping these teeth healthy until they fall out on their own helps the permanent teeth grow into their proper position. This can save on future treatment. Additionally, the enamel of baby teeth is thinner, so decay can spread more quickly between teeth. Crowns can not only save the decayed tooth but help prevent the spread of decay and infection to the rest of the mouth, including the child’s permanent teeth.

When damage to the tooth is less severe, a pulpotomy may be an option. This procedure removes just the damaged portion of the pulp, or all the pulp in the upper chamber of the tooth, without touching the root canals. The pulp is the interior of the tooth that contains the tooth's blood supply and nerves. The pediatric dentist will remove the damage, stabilize the rest of the healthy pulp, and possibly disinfect and seal the tooth with a crown.

If the pulp tissue is infected through the entire tooth, a pulpectomy, or baby root canal, is necessary. The pediatric dentist will remove all the pulp tissue from the tooth’s upper chamber and the roots, disinfect the root canals, and then fill and seal them. A crown will be used to protect the entire tooth.

Both of these procedures are approved for children and use materials designed for a child’s health and well-being. Furthermore, they offer welcome relief from tooth pain. Parents can go into the procedure feeling confident that it is the right decision for their oral health of their child.