When any kid is recommended by a dentist for a root canal treatment/pulpectomy, the mind begins to race. You might have dozens of questions in your mind. Aren’t milk teeth eventually going to fall off?
- Is root canal treatment/pulpectomy possible in kids?
- Is it painful?
- Do milk teeth need root canal treatment/pulpectomy?
- Aren’t milk teeth temporary teeth?
To answer these questions let’s look into the details of what is root canal treatment/pulpectomy in kids
A root canal procedure is the process of removal of the diseased pulp from your child’s tooth. The pulp is the tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels that fill up the tooth root. If at any time tooth is infected or damaged with the bacteria involving pulp, root canal treatment/pulpectomy is recommended.
Why is root canal treatment needed in children?
Tooth decay is very common in kids due to their eating habits, consumption of sugary food and drinks, refined carbohydrates, and improper brushing. This creates tiny holes in teeth called cavities. If these cavities are left untreated they grow larger due to the bacteria present and reach the inner layer of the tooth which is the nerves that infect the tooth completely. This causes severe toothaches, and infections and may even lead to the loss of teeth. Hence it becomes necessary to save the tooth as the loss of a tooth has many consequences:
- Speech defect
- Loss of space as adjacent teeth might shift
- Unaesthetic in appearance
- Damage to the permanent teeth
To prevent all this root canal treatment/pulpectomy is done thus preserving those tiny white pearls which serve as a guide for proper placement of adult teeth and saving future expensive treatments.
What are the signs your child needs a root canal treatment/pulpectomy?
- The first indication that something is wrong with a child’s tooth is pain, ranging from sharp, and intense to dull aching pain. This pain can be spontaneous or in response to specific stimuli like cold or hot.
- If there occurs a pimple-like bump in the child’s gums, it is an indication of pus associated with the tooth
- Other symptoms like fever, general malaise, and tender lymph nodes might be present.
If you notice any of these symptoms or if you suspect that something is not right with your child’s teeth, make sure to contact your nearest dentist soon. If a kid’s root canal treatment/pulpectomy is recommended by your dentist, do not ignore the treatment and get it done immediately. Root canal treatment is not age-specific in children and can be carried out for any age if the tooth shows such symptoms.
How do I prepare my child for root canal treatment/pulpectomy?
A pediatric dentist will tell the parent how to prepare their child for root canal treatment/pulpectomy. Parents can talk to their children about the procedure and why it is necessary. A parent can help children understand what will be done in the treatment by giving examples from a daily routine like your tooth has germs, and it has to be removed. So the doctors will make your tooth sleep and remove all germs to make it white again.
X-rays will be taken by the dentist to see the extent of the infection. This can show how bad the infection is and help dentists see the shape and size of the root canal. A child will be given local anesthesia. This will prevent pain during the procedure.
What happens during a root canal procedure?
Your child’s dentist will first give anesthesia to the child. Then insert tools to remove the diseased tissue and infection from the tooth with cleaning fluids. Thorough cleaning of the tooth will be done with different instruments. The tooth will be dried, filled with medicament, and sealed with a filling. Over this, stainless steel or aesthetic cap is given to give a complete seal to the tooth and maintain its functionality.
What happens after a root canal?
Your child might have some pain after the procedure. This is normal and it lasts only for a few hours. Your dentist will prescribe pain medicine and antibiotics if needed. Ask your dentist when can child eat or drink again. Ask about any special instructions to follow after the treatment. You will be called for a follow-up after a few days.
How can you prevent the need for a root canal treatment/pulpectomy?
The best way to prevent the need for root canal treatment/pulpectomy is by maintaining your teeth in good condition.
Regular brushing and flossing help maintain teeth and gums in a healthy state. Make sure you encourage your child to brush twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste. Also, the in-between snacking and junk food have to be avoided. Make a habit of visiting your dentist every 6 months for a routine check-up, cleaning of teeth, and fluoride application. Any cavity if noticed should not be ignored and should be filled immediately. This will save your child’s teeth from the need for root canal treatment/pulpectomy thus saving your time, and money and preserving your child’s teeth.
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