A baby root canal is important to save a child’s tooth if an infection has become severe enough. Another name for this treatment is a pulpectomy. Your dentist can provide a safe and quick alternative in cases like these, either for your convenience or to prevent pain that may last long-term if left untreated.
Most likely, the first tooth of your baby will develop an abscess inside the root canal space from the bacterial infection that developed and spread in their mouth due to their high sugar content. The bacteria need to be removed before it causes any permanent damage.
Let’s discuss whether your baby needs a root canal and what a pulpectomy is in this guide.
Baby root canals
Well, baby teeth might be temporary until a certain age, but they are still not any less important. Also, they hold space for permanent teeth that may delay tooth replacement and cause problems later if removed.
Baby teeth are important for several reasons, which are:
- Help to form the chewing habits of your child.
- Developed early, they help to get rid of the excess food particles. Also, they provide space for permanent teeth to grow in their correct position.
- Helping your baby speak clearly as they have developed earlier than permanent teeth can even erupt independently.
What is a pulpectomy?
A pulpectomy is a root canal treatment to save the tooth prematurely. This procedure is very common in children, and it involves removing the infected pulp of the tooth, which is causing pain, an abscess, and any other kind of infection that may have altered your child’s life.
Symptoms your baby needs a root canal or Pulpectomy
Every baby may experience different symptoms, but the following are some of the most common ones:
- Swelling inside their gums
- Pain when chewing or biting food.
- Numbness in any part of his mouth area.
- Intense toothache and discomfort that worsens when night falls.
- In most cases, infection may spread to your baby’s gums or teeth.
Reasons you need baby root canal
Following are a few of the most common reasons why your baby might need a root canal:
Tooth decay
It is a very common reason for baby root canals. Tooth decay mostly happens because of infants’ food preferences. They may prefer sipping on sweetened liquids or eating sugary foods like biscuits and candies instead of healthier options such as fruits and vegetables.
Trauma
In some cases, baby tooth injury may lead to infection. If your child has a toothache, swollen gums, pain, or any discomfort, then you must take them to the dentist for treatment as soon as possible.
Swollen gums or abscesses
There are times when your baby might suffer from gum infections which may cause swelling and pain. If any infected teeth with a significant level of swelling and pain are not treated immediately, it may lead to permanent damage.
Teeth loose in its socket
A dentist must treat teeth that are loose or broken off to prevent further complications like infections. It is recommended that you take your child to the dentist as soon as possible because tooth extraction is required in these cases.
Baby root canal procedure – What to expect?
Once you take your baby to a dentist for treatment, he will:
- Examine the condition of the infected tooth.
- Perform an x-ray to determine the extent of damage and infection.
- Drill into the tip of the tooth and remove all infected tissue inside where the infection is located.
- Finally, fill the space with a material like gold or resin that helps retain it in its original position.
Tips to prevent baby root canal
If you want to prevent root canal treatments for your baby and his teeth, you must care about certain things. Here are a few helpful tips that can help you a lot:
- Always stay away from sugary foods and drinks as much as possible.
- Make sure that your baby brushes his teeth twice a day using a soft, age-appropriate toothbrush.
- Clean their teeth after every meal or snack to prevent tooth decay.
- Ensure that the water used for brushing is between 68 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
- For the best results, brush for two minutes.
- Do not use hard bristle brushes on your baby’s teeth as they may damage them in case of an injury.
- Ask your dentist to recommend a mouthwash safe for your baby’s age. It is recommended that you ask your dentist first before using any mouthwash for your child.
- Drink water after meals and snacks to promote natural saliva production in their mouth.
Looking for the best Pediatric dentist? – Contact Dr. Yasmin
If you have noticed an infection in your little one’s teeth, contact Dr. Yasmin. She is one of the best pediatric dentists in Dubai who offers solutions to all your kid’s dental needs. If you are looking for the kids root canal, solutions for special needs children like autism spectrum, or looking for the best dentist in Dubai, don’t take chances; contact Dr. Yasmin.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Yasmin today.