What Happens If A Child’s Tooth Becomes Infected?

Posted February 22, 2021

When your little one’s tooth aches due to a cavity, then a filling may be necessary. But what if the cavity grows so severe an infection arises? To avoid complications like worsening pain or premature tooth loss, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist may suggest we treat an infection with a conservative root canal procedure known as a pulpotomy.

The Causes of an Infected Tooth

For both kids and adults, teeth are coated in a thin but powerful layer of enamel, which protects the sensitive inner tissues. Beneath the enamel is the dentin, a sensitive material that makes up most of the structure. The dentin then surrounds the pulp, the collection of tissues that ensures a healthy and functional tooth. An infection means that bacteria came into contact with the pulp, either through cavities or injuries to the tooth. Warning signs include toothaches, persistent sensitivity, swelling, a discharge from the tooth, or pain when you eat or bite down.

Impacts on Oral Health

Unless treated, the infection could essentially kill your inner pulp. Once these tissues die, the tooth itself will follow and either fall out with time, or require extraction to prevent the spread of infection or the teeth or into the jawbone itself. Losing teeth prematurely as children means the onset of misalignment, as the factors that guide permanent teeth into place have been compromised. To avoid pain, further tooth loss, or misalignment, you should bring your little one in for treatment when discomfort arises.

The Pulpotomy

We offer a more conservative approach with a root canal alternative known as a pulpotomy. Basically, we will use medication to numb the tooth itself and all surrounding tissues. If your child has anxiety or other issues that makes undergoing care difficult, we could also recommend dental sedation. When your child is calm and comfortable, we will gently open the tooth to remove the infected portions of the inner pulp. We then add a medicated filling to the area. The tooth itself will be capped with a dental crown. For more visible front facing teeth we may use ceramic or zirconia. For the side and rear teeth, we may opt for stainless steel. If you have any questions about how we approach restorative treatments for infection, or about using preventive care to avoid cavities and infection, then contact our team today.

Does Your Child Have an Aching Tooth?

Our team wants to help your child avoid tooth loss and other complications. To learn more about our approach to treating an infected tooth or preventing issues like cavities, then  by calling Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda in Dallas, TX today at 214-321-4880. We proudly serve patients who live around Casa Linda and all surrounding Dallas communities.