Pediatric Endodontics

Many parents think that brushing their baby’s teeth is all the care needed to prevent cavities. Unfortunately, baby teeth are sometimes prone to cavities or advanced decay that can leave your child experiencing some serious pain. There are a few options for dealing with this situation with the endodontist’s help. Pediatric endodontic care requires extra training, and we’re one of the few offices in the area to offer this kind of treatment. Protect your baby’s teeth and make the right decisions about whether to preserve them or remove them with our help.

Why Save Baby Teeth?

Baby teeth fall out on their own eventually, so you might think that a badly damaged tooth should just come out. Yet losing a tooth too early leaves a gap that could affect how the permanent adult tooth grows in later. The endodontist will determine what effect you can expect from tooth loss. If there’s a chance your child could have long-term effects from losing the tooth, we can use treatments like pulpectomies to maintain it. It’s not exactly the same as a root canal for adults, but it uses some of the same concepts to treat decay and stabilize the tooth. Your child will likely need a tooth cap or baby crown over the treated tooth to protect it. It will fall out just the same as if it never underwent treatment, but it’ll stay pain-free and intact until then to maintain the right gap for the adult tooth.

When to Remove Baby Teeth

If your child is older and is already at the age when they’d usually lose the damaged tooth, the endodontist may decide it’s best to just remove the tooth. Baby teeth are relatively easy to remove with minimal effort or discomfort for your child. It’s particularly likely for the endodontist to recommend removal if there’s a nerve affected or the tooth is already loose. Pulpectomies and related treatments work best on teeth that aren’t causing too much pain yet. For your child’s comfort, removing the tooth may be the best option. They'll simply have a gap like they've lost the tooth naturally until the permanent tooth takes its place.

What Leads to the Need for This Kind of Treatment?

Most children will only need cavities drilled and filled during the years while they’re waiting for their adult teeth to grow in. If you don’t keep up with their brushing habits or skip visits to the dentist, small cavities can spread over the course of months to cause more advanced decay problems. Teaching your child the best possible brushing habits takes a lot of patience and willpower. But it pays off by helping your child avoid discomfort and saving you money on endodontic treatment. In some cases, even great oral hygiene can’t prevent damage from a fall or accident. Prompt treatment and the addition of a crown can save the natural tooth so there’s no gap in your child’s smile.

Stress-Free Dental Treatments for Your Child

Many children who need endodontic care are experiencing discomfort or pain by the time they start treatment. This can lead to them feeling anxious during their time in the endodontist’s chair. Sedation dentistry and anxiety treatments help your child get through the treatment they need to feel better with less stress. We’re experts in sedation dentistry in addition to offering supportive care that makes your child feel comfortable. Discuss your options with us before your child’s appointment to settle on the right choice.

Taking Care of Baby Crowns

Once your child has undergone a procedure to stabilize a decayed or damaged tooth, they'll need to learn to take care of the cap or crown they receive. These dental devices can become damaged if your child chews on pencils or pens, enjoys hard and sticky candies, and uses their teeth to open packaging. Remind them to stay mindful of the crown and check their diet for snacks that might damage their teeth. Avoiding caramels and hard candies can make a big difference in how long the dental crown lasts. Even though your child will lose the stabilized baby tooth eventually, they may need to rely on the cap or crown for a few months to a few years first.

Maintain your child’s oral health and prepare them for their adult smile with pediatric endodontic care. Schedule a consultation with our team today if you think your child’s dental pain or tooth issues need specialized care. We’re happy to help you and your child find peace of mind with prompt extractions or more advanced treatments to save the natural tooth. If your child already has a mix of permanent and baby teeth, you definitely need to tackle any decay issues to maintain their adult smile.