Do Children Need Root Canals?

Root canal treatments are for adults, however, pulpectomies are for children! The method of treating a milk tooth is very different from that in adults. Swipe left to read all about how you can decide if your child needs a root canal and the best approach for healthier teeth for your little ones.
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Your child’s milk tooth stays lustrous and white when the pulp or core of the tooth stays healthy. Any damage to the outer surfaces of the tooth gives way to infection to trouble the pulp. Once the pulp is affected/infected, pulp therapy needs to be initiated.

First question- the primary teeth will fall off. Why treat at all?

The primary teeth are natural smile makers, space-­maintainers, speech aids and the chewing apparatus of your child. If untreated, infection from these teeth results in painful swellings. Early loss of milk teeth due to this or any other reason hampers the tooth eruption pattern and can affect the jaw growth of your child.

But aren't root canal treatments for adults?
 

Root canal treatments are for adults, however, pulpectomies are for children!

The method of treating a milk tooth is very different from that in adults. A pediatric dentist is equipped in handling the complex structure of the tiny teeth and filling it with materials, which resorb or dissolve at the same rate as your child milk tooth. Hence, there is nothing to worry about the after-effects of the treatment. From the instruments to the techniques used in pediatric dentistry, everything revolves around making the treatment fun and instilling a positive approach to teeth.

What happens in a pulpectomy?

Simply explained, the infected pulp of the tooth is dissolved and replaced with a biocompatible material.

The child teeth specialist will always show you before and after X-ray photos that will help you understand better. The aim is to ensure the infection is removed and the milk tooth is saved from being pulled out.

Why not pull out the tooth?

Removing a tooth before its natural “fall off” time changes the permanent teeth eruption pattern. After the tooth is pulled out its space needs to be artificially maintained for the permanent teeth to erupt into it. If this is not done, the permanent teeth can be maligned. Sometimes removing and restoring the tooth is not possible. In those cases, pulling the tooth out is the appropriate option. It hence depends on the child’s tooth and the extent of infection.

How does one prevent decay/root canals?

  • Firstly, don’t confuse adult dentistry with child dentistry. Please take your child to a pediatric dentist before her/his first birthday (or when the first tooth arrives).
  • Monthly visits ensure a check-­‐up routine where decay is caught in the initial stages itself, eliminating the need to get into invasive treatments.
  • In case, treatments are needed don’t delay it.
  • Lastly, flossing and two-­‐time brushing routines at home, ensure the decay-causing germs are washed away.

Pic courtesy: authoritydental.org

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