Root Canal Treatment for Children
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure to remove diseased pulp from your child’s tooth. The pulp is tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels that fill the tooth roots. Each root secures your child’s tooth to his or her gum and jawbone. Your child may need a root canal if the tooth is damaged or infected. An abscess (pocket of pus), cavities, or an accident or injury can also lead to a root canal. A root canal can be done on baby teeth and permanent teeth. Baby teeth are meant to fall out on their own. If a baby tooth comes out too soon, your child can develop bite or speech problems. A root canal can help save the tooth and give it time to fall out when it is ready.
What’s a Baby Root Canal?
When a baby tooth has a very deep cavity that affects part of the nerve, it will most likely need nerve treatment most commonly referred to as a baby root canal. This procedure involves removing part of the affected nerve and placing a medicated material over it. The tooth is then covered with a crown (“cap”) which is a more long-lasting restoration for the tooth.
How do I prepare my child for a Root Canal?
Your child’s dental provider will tell you how to prepare your child for this procedure. Talk to your child about the procedure and why it is needed. Your child may feel scared to go to the dentist or to have a procedure. Help your child understand what will happen. Explain that he or she will get medicine to prevent pain.
Depending on the age of the child, the dentist may give the child X-rays. This will help the dentist to examine the area. This can show the dentist how bad the infection is. It will also help the dentist see the shape and size of the root canal.
The child will receive local anesthesia. This can help to prevent pain while the root canal is being done. The child might also receive antibiotics to help prevent any infections after. The parent should talk to the dentist about whether or not the child is allergic to it. Both antibiotics and anesthesia are possible to be allergic to.
How a Root Canal is done?
If the child has a filling on the tooth, then the dentist will remove it. Then there will be a rubber sheet placed around the child’s tooth. This will help to keep saliva out of the root canal. This is important because saliva can contain harmful bacteria.
The sheet around the tooth will also help keep the child from swallowing pieces of tooth or liquid. The dentist may need to drill into the crown to get to the root canal and pulp. The pulp will be removed and replaced.
What happens after a Root Canal?
Your child may have some pain after the procedure. This is normal and should go away in a few hours. The dental provider may prescribe pain medicine or recommend an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as an NSAID. Ask your child’s provider when your child can eat and drink again. Ask about any special instructions for caring for your child’s tooth after a root canal. If a temporary crown is used, the provider will replace it with a permanent crown about 1 week later.
What are the risks of a Root Canal?
The cleaning fluid used to clean the root may enter nearby tissues and cause swelling, bruising, or an infection. The tip of a dental tool may get stuck in your child’s root canal. Your child may swallow the tip if it drops into his or her mouth. Your child may get a fistula (abnormal tissue opening) between the tooth root and the sinus. The diseased tissue may not be completely removed. The root may not be completely filled, or the seal may not be tight. This means germs could enter your child’s tooth and cause an infection. Your child may need another root canal, or the tooth may need to be removed.
Root Canal for Children at shanti dentals in Rohini, Delhi
At shanti dentals, we offer children root canals, for infants, adolescents and young adults. Our goal is to preserve the child’s primary tooth gently and effectively in a caring, positive environment. Schedule a consultation today.
