Everything you need to know about treatment for root canal in kids

Are you worried that your child might need a root canal treatment? What signs must you look out for? Why do kids sometimes end up needing these treatments? What to expect or what kinds of questions should you ask your kid’s dentist about the treatment?

Smile Craft understands the anxieties and questions parents usually have with their child’s upcoming root canal treatment. Our team of expert dentist for kids and root canal specialists tell you everything you need to know about root canal in kids and everything you can do to help your kid through this process.

What is a root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment refers to the procedure in which you save or repair a badly infected tooth from further damage by removing the infected part within the soft tissues and restore your tooth’s health. The process involves removing the inner infected pulp, disinfecting the area, and then sealing it back shut to prevent any further infections in the future. Getting a root canal treatment done at the correct time can save you from further complications like losing a tooth, pus formation around that area, or even damage to some of the neighboring vital organs.

Do children need root canal treatments?

Kids, like adults, are just as likely to suffer infections in the inner soft tissues leading to a root canal treatment. Even if your kid just has their milk teeth, having untreated root canal infections could cause them a lot of issues. Dentist for kids advise treating such infections on time, as not doing so could lead to your child prematurely losing their milk tooth. This could cause hindrances to their adult teeth growing in the proper direction, in addition to speech and eating issues. Not treating the infection on time could also lead to your child dealing with a lot of pain as the infection worsens, along with several other oral infection side effects like pus formation around that area.

What causes infections in the root canal in kids?

Tooth decay and cavities: Most kids are prone to tooth cavities due to poor oral hygiene routines, but in extreme cases, these could progress to infections that spread around the inner soft tissues of the teeth.

Injuries and trauma: Kids are more likely to receive injuries to the mouth and teeth as they play or have accidents. In certain severe cases, the tooth could get excessively damaged, along with the surrounding jaw area and inner nerve tissues, causing an infection.  

Certain genetic predispositions: Certain kids are more likely to have oral infections due to genetics, causing root canal infections.

What are the signs I could look for?

Tooth Pain: If your child starts complaining about sudden pain around their tooth, gum, or jaw area, this could be a sign of infection. In most cases, you will notice the child suddenly eating less due to this.

Swelling: Your child might complain about their gum area getting swollen. You may notice a sudden swelling around their jaw, this could also be a sign of pus formation.

Sensitivity and Tingling: Your child might experience sudden sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures or might notice a sudden numbness, or tingling sensation around the tooth.

Discoloration: You may notice a yellowish, greyish, or brown discoloration on the tooth surface accompanied by the pain. This could be a sign of internal nerve infection within the tooth.

Procedure:

Root canal in kids usually tend to be less intrusive than in adults. In some cases, there could be partial nerve treatment, which would make it less painful and much faster for your child. After removing the infected inner portion of the tooth pulp, we then disinfect, fill it up, and cover the tooth to protect it and let it heal. 

Aftercare:

While it is common for your child to experience a little pain and sensitivity after the procedure, this should go away in a couple of days. Dentists for kids will guide you through the important steps to keep in mind, such as maintaining proper oral hygiene and not letting them eat certain things for a little while. In addition to this, your child will also be provided with pain medication to ease their discomfort.

Smile Craft dental clinic provides you with a top-qualified endodontist with experience in root canal in kids. We’ll make sure to explain the entire process to you in detail depending on your child’s unique treatment analysis and guide you on how you can support your kid through it. 

If your child shows any of the above signs of needing a root canal, head over to our office to consult with our expert dentist for kids or book your appointment online now!