You might be surprised to learn that children’s root canals aren’t as rare as you might think. While most people associate root canals with adults, kids sometimes need this dental procedure too.
We perform root canals on both baby teeth and permanent teeth when necessary to save the tooth and prevent more serious complications.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal for kids can remove infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth. Inside each tooth is soft tissue called pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
When this pulp becomes infected or damaged — whether it’s from deep tooth decay, repeated dental work, or injury, we have to remove it to save the tooth and prevent the spread of infection.
This procedure isn’t just for permanent teeth, baby teeth can need root canals too. While baby teeth will eventually fall out, they serve important functions for your child’s development, including proper speech, chewing, and guiding permanent teeth into place.
Losing these teeth too early can lead to alignment issues and other dental problems down the road.
Root Canal Procedure for Children
When your child needs a root canal, you’ll want to know exactly what to expect. The procedure starts with your pediatric dentist taking X-rays to see the shape of the kids’ root canals and check for signs of infection.
We’ll use local anesthesia to ensure your child stays comfortable throughout the procedure — this is a top priority for pediatric dentists.
We place a rubber sheet around the tooth to keep it dry and clean during treatment, then create a small opening in the tooth to reach the damaged pulp.
Using special tools, we carefully remove the infected pulp, clean the area, and shape the root canal. The cleaned space is filled with a rubber-like material, sealed, and provided with a temporary filling.
Often, the tooth will need a crown to protect it and restore its full function. This might happen on the same visit or at a follow-up appointment, depending on your child’s specific situation. We will discuss the best approach based on your child’s individual needs.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
One of the biggest concerns parents have been whether a root canal will hurt their child. You’ll be relieved to know that with modern techniques and anesthesia, the procedure itself shouldn’t cause pain.
In fact, a root canal relieves the pain your child might be experiencing from the infected or damaged tooth.
Your child might feel some discomfort for a few days after the procedure — that’s normal. Over-the-counter pain medication can help manage any soreness, and most kids return to their normal activities the next day. We will provide specific instructions for post-procedure care to ensure the best possible healing.
Preventing Tooth Decay Leading to Root Canals
The best way to avoid needing a root canal is to prevent tooth decay in the first place. Establish good oral hygiene habits early:
- Brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove food particles between teeth
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks
- Schedule regular dental checkups every six months
- Address any dental issues quickly when they arise
Teaching your child these habits from an early age can significantly reduce their risk of needing dental procedures like root canals in the future.
Are Root Canals Necessary?
Do kids get root canals and are they necessary? The answer is yes, sometimes they are.
When decay or damage reaches the tooth’s pulp, a root canal might be the best way to save the tooth and prevent extraction. This treatment can prevent more extensive and expensive dental work down the road.
This is especially true for permanent teeth, but can kids get root canals on baby teeth? Yes, they can. Saving a baby tooth can be just as important as saving a permanent one, as losing baby teeth too early can lead to alignment issues with permanent teeth and affect your child’s dental development.
Signs Your Child Needs a Root Canal
These are some common signs leading up to children’s root canals:
Pain and Sensitivity
If your child complains about tooth pain that won’t go away or sensitivity to hot and cold that lingers, these could be signs that a root canal kids procedure might be needed. Don’t ignore persistent tooth pain — it’s your child’s way of telling you something’s wrong.
Visible Damage
Cracked, chipped, or deeply decayed teeth might require root canal treatment, especially if the damage extends to the pulp. Even small chips or cracks can allow bacteria to enter the tooth and cause infection.
Swelling and Tenderness
Swollen gums around a particular tooth or facial swelling can indicate an infection that might need root canal treatment. You might also notice that your child favors one side of their mouth when eating or complains about tenderness in a specific area.
Extraction vs Root Canal for Kids
Sometimes you’ll face a choice between a root canal and extraction. While pulling the tooth might seem like an easier solution, keeping natural teeth whenever possible is usually better for your child’s dental health. We will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option based on your child’s specific situation.
For baby teeth that are close to falling out naturally, extraction might make more sense. But for permanent teeth or baby teeth that aren’t ready to fall out, a foot canal for kids often provides the best outcome.
We will consider factors like your child’s age, which tooth is affected, and how extensive the damage is when making recommendations.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to your child’s dental health, understanding treatment options helps you make informed decisions. While no parent wants to hear their child needs a root canal, knowing that it’s a common and effective procedure can help ease your concerns.
Remember that early intervention is important. If you notice any signs of dental problems, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Schedule a dental exam for your child today at The Super Dentists!