One of the last things parents want to think about is having their child go through a root canal. Understandably there are a lot of questions and here at Pediatric Dental Specialists of Western Colorado in Grand Junction and Fruita, we want to help ease your concerns and help answer any questions you may have about root canals in kids.
What is a Root Canal Procedure?
Root canal procedures are also known as endodontic treatments and are performed to remove bacteria and tissue that are dead, or dying from within the structure of a tooth.
The tissue inside a tooth is called the “tooth pulp,” and it contains the living parts of the tooth such as blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. The part of the tooth that we see is the enamel, the white hard protective surface of the tooth.
If a crack or decay in the enamel exposes the tooth pulp, the tooth pulp is at a high risk for infection which can cause pain, illness and even death of the tooth, requiring it to be pulled.
Root canals can remove the exposed tooth pulp, preventing infection and the complications that can develop.
Reasons Kids May Need a Root Canal:
- The tooth has a crack or fracture from trauma
- The tooth has decay that has led to infection
- An abscess or pocket of pus has developed
- The tooth is dying and it’s loss would cause eating and speech difficulties
- Tooth loss would interrupt the full development of the child’s mouth
- Tooth loss would interfere with proper functioning of the tongue and jaws.
Signs that Your Child May Need a Root Canal:
- Pain with hot and cold foods and drinks
- Frequent or constant toothaches
- Swelling and redness of the gums around the tooth
- Looseness or increased mobility of a tooth
A root canal is not always necessary in kids especially when the tooth in question is still a baby tooth and will come out soon. However, timing and location are important. If the baby tooth is lost too soon and the permanent tooth will not likely erupt for quite a while, most pediatric dentists will consider a root canal over extraction of the tooth because a premature loss of a tooth can negatively impact speech development, chewing and how the permanent teeth will come in.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
Thankfully, root canal procedures aren’t as tortuous as most people believe. With modern advances and technology you or your child doesn’t have to be worried about having a root canal. The procedure is done quickly and comfortably under nitrous oxide or conscious sedation in our Grand Junction or Fruita offices here in Western Colorado.
The caring team of professionals at Pediatric Dental Specialists of Western Colorado are dedicated to ensuring your child’s visit is as comfortable as possible. Each root canal will be thoroughly discussed with you and any questions you have resolved prior to the start of your care.
Our Commitment to Excellence
We use the highest quality dental materials, the best dental supplies available, and superior laboratories. Our patients keep coming back because of the special care they receive while in our experienced hands.
Please don’t hesitate to call us at (970) 639-9551 if you have any questions regarding a specific dental procedure or condition