Children’s Root Canals Q&AVisalia, CA

Children’s Root Canal Q&A

Preserving position

Many parents ask whether extraction or a root canal is a better choice for a decayed baby tooth. In most cases, a root canal is the preferred treatment for several important reasons.

A root canal preserves your child's natural tooth, in its normal position. With a tooth extraction, your child has an empty tooth socket before they otherwise would. If the adult tooth isn't close to erupting, an empty socket allows other teeth to shift out of position, which can cause major alignment problems.

Preventing speech problems

If your child loses one or more baby teeth before their natural time, it can interfere with normal speech development or distort speech.

Preventing chewing issues

Losing baby teeth too early can cause problems with chewing. Your child could develop irregular chewing patterns because of the missing tooth, potentially leading to excessive wear to other teeth.

Children’s root canals are often the best choice for Visalia Dentistry 4 Kids patients. But, tooth extraction might be better in certain situations. Dr. Sandhu or Dr. Shergill discuss both options with you to help you decide what’s best for your child.

How does a children’s root canal work?

If your child is fearful or anxious about dental work, nitrous oxide is usually the best sedation option. Nitrous oxide relaxes your child, but they remain awake and able to communicate during the procedure. Drs. Sandhu or Shergill numb the affected tooth with a local anesthetic, too.

Dr. Sandhu or Dr. Shergill then creates an opening in the tooth crown to remove the infected pulp in the middle of the tooth. If needed, Dr. Sandhu or Shergill removes infected tissue from the tooth roots, as well. Once your child’s tooth is free of infection, Dr. Sandhu or Dr. Shergill disinfects the area and fills the tooth with sterile material.

Depending on how much tooth material Dr. Sandhu or Dr. Shergill Law removes, he may place either a composite filling or a stainless-steel dental crown to protect the tooth after the root canal.

What is recovery like after a children’s root canal?

After a root canal, Dr. Sandhu or Dr. Shergill recommends specific recovery guidelines. Usually, over-the-counter pain relievers, in formulas and doses appropriate for your child’s age, offer sufficient pain relief. You can also offer your child an ice pack for their outer jaw. Dr. Sandhu or Dr. Shergill might recommend a soft diet for a day or two.

Children’s root canals can save your child’s current tooth, and also their future oral health. Book an appointment at Visalia Dentistry 4 Kids by phone today at (559) 733-4470