A Special Root Canal Treatment For Kids

Posted March 19, 2024

When a child has a cavity, we offer relief in one visit with a filling. But what if the cavity has become severe, or the tooth is actually infected? In these situations, your child may need a root canal. Your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist can actually offer a conservative alternative to root canals with the pulpotomy procedure!

The Causes and Dangers of an Infected Tooth

Your child’s teeth are made from multiple layers. At the center is the pulp, a collection of tissues that keeps the tooth functional. The pulp is surrounded by the dentin, a sensitive structure that makes up most of the tooth. Finally, the outer enamel protects the tooth from injury and exposure to harmful oral bacteria. An infection means that harmful oral bacteria have reached the pulp, usually due to injuries or cavities that compromises the outer enamel. Teeth grinding could also be a factor. Without treatment, this can cause serious discomfort and increase the risk of premature tooth loss and with it, misalignment. Kids may experience pain when they eat, persistent toothaches, swelling, or aches in the face and jaw. Earaches could occur too. Don’t ignore these symptoms, let us know right away!

Administering Sedation

Our team will talk to your child about his or her symptoms and then conduct a detailed examination to assess the position and severity of the infected area. We then plan the procedure in detail. To ensure your little one is comfortable, we can administer a local numbing agent to the area being treated. Our team can also discuss sedation, choosing a gas or medication to help him or her reach a calm and relaxed state throughout the procedure, with little to no memory of the experience.

The Pulpotomy Procedure

Once your child is calm and prepared, we will open the tooth to access and remove the diseased portions of the tissues. We then add a special medicated filling to the interior of the tooth, which we can cure. For some, this is the end of the procedure. If the infection is more severe, then we may need to cap the tooth with a crown. For the side and rear teeth, which endure greater bite forces, we can recommend stainless steel. For the more visible front facing ones, we could discuss the more natural looking ZuSmile zirconia crowns.

If you have any questions about how we treat an infected tooth with a pulpotomy, then contact our team today.

Schedule Your Little One’s Six-Month Dental Appointment Today!

We want to make sure your child’s smile stays strong, healthy, and comfortable. To learn more about how our team diagnoses and treats an infected tooth, then please contact your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, by calling (214) 321-4880.