Pediatric Root Canal Specialist

What is a pediatric root canal?

A pediatric root canal is an endodontic procedure in which your provider cleans out the inside of an infected or severely decayed tooth, fills it, and restores it to save your child’s permanent tooth from requiring extraction. 

Dominion Endodontics offers same-day pediatric root canal appointments, and the compassionate providers offer sedation dentistry to put anxious patients at ease.

Does my child need a pediatric root canal?

To determine if your child needs a root canal, your provider at Dominion Endodontics reviews their dental and medical history and examines your child’s tooth. They also complete dental X-rays. Signs your child might require a root canal include:

• Tooth pain
• A crack or hole in the tooth
• Gum pain
• An abscess
• Swelling
• Temperature sensitivity
• Tooth discoloration

If your child has a severely decayed baby tooth, your provider might recommend extracting it. In the case of permanent tooth infection or severe decay, saving and restoring the tooth is the end goal at Dominion Endodontics.

What happens during pediatric root canals?

Right before your child’s root canal, a Dominion Endodontics provider numbs the treatment area to make the procedure feel comfortable. They offer sedation dentistry to put anxious patients at ease and help them relax.

Your child’s provider creates a hole in the top of the tooth, removes decay and bacteria, and cleans out the pulp chamber inside the tooth. They might apply medication to the tooth to prevent an infection from spreading.

They fill the pulp chamber with special dental materials and seal the tooth shut with a filling. Your child may require a dental crown, or cap made of porcelain, that fits over their restored tooth to protect it from future damage.

What should I expect after treatment?

While there’s no downtime after a root canal, your child should take it easy for the rest of the day. Their restored tooth may feel sensitive for a few days, but over-the-counter pain relievers help reduce discomfort. They can brush and floss as usual after treatment. Encourage them to brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and floss every day.

Call Dominion Endodontics right away if your child experiences worsening pain or if their crown becomes loose or damaged. 

Attend routine dental cleanings and exams to prevent future tooth damage. Have your child limit sugary foods and drinks and avoid chewing on hard candy, ice, popcorn kernels, and other hard objects. 

Don’t let toothaches progress to severe pain and infection. Schedule a pediatric root canal with Dominion Endodontics over the phone or online today.