At Maryvale Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics, our job is to make sure that children's baby teeth stay healthy and strong until they're ready to come out naturally. If your child has severe decay or suffers damage or trauma to a baby tooth, we need to take quick action to save it.
Bacteria that enter the inside of the tooth called pulp, it can cause an infection. Pulp contains nerves that provide feeling to the tooth, so when it becomes infected or inflamed, your child will experience a toothache.
What Is a Baby Root Canal?
Once infection reaches the pulp, there's no way we can just clean it out. Pulp treatment (also called a pulpotomy) is a procedure where we remove the pulp, sterilize the space, and fill it with dental material. This procedure is often referred to as a "baby root canal," but it's really not a root canal because we only remove the pulp in the crown of the tooth, not the whole root.
After we complete the procedure, we recommend that a baby crown be placed on the tooth to protect it from further damage. In a couple days the tooth will act and function just like a normal tooth.
Gentle Sedation Dentistry for Your Child
A baby root canal isn't painful, but we are pleased to offer nitrous oxide or laughing gas if you think your child could benefit from some extra relaxation. Nitrous oxide helps young children remain calm and comfortable during their procedure but has no long-term lingering side effects.
If your child has a persistent toothache, pulp treatment may be the best solution. Please call us to schedule an appointment so we can provide relief and protect their smile.