Root Canals: Saving and Restoring Your Child's Teeth

Signs Your Child Might Need a Root Canal

• Severe Tooth Pain: Persistent pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure.
• Sensitivity to Temperature: Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.
• Swollen Gums: Swelling or tenderness in the gums around the affected tooth.
• Discoloration: Darkening or discoloration of the tooth.

The Root Canal Procedure

Here's what you can expect during a root canal treatment:

1. Examination and Diagnosis: Our dentist will examine your child's tooth and take X-rays to determine the extent of the infection or damage. Schedule an examination.
2. Numbing the Area: A local anesthetic is used to numb the area around the affected tooth, ensuring your child remains comfortable throughout the procedure.
3. Removing the Infected Pulp: The infected or damaged pulp is carefully removed from the tooth.
4. Cleaning and Disinfecting: The root canals are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to remove any remaining bacteria.
5. Filling and Sealing: The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to prevent future infection.
6. Restoring the Tooth: Depending on the extent of the damage, a crown may be placed over the tooth to restore its function and appearance. Learn about our dental crowns.

Benefits of Root Canals

Saves the Natural Tooth

A root canal can save a severely damaged or infected tooth, preventing the need for extraction and preserving your child's natural smile.

Relieves Pain and Discomfort

By removing the infected or damaged pulp, a root canal alleviates the pain and discomfort associated with tooth infections.

Prevents Further Infection

Cleaning and sealing the root canals prevents bacteria from causing further infection or damage. Discover our preventive care options.

Restores Tooth Function

After a root canal and appropriate restoration, the treated tooth can function like any other natural tooth, allowing your child to eat and speak normally.

Caring for Teeth After a Root Canal

Proper care is essential to ensure the success and longevity of a root canal treatment. Here are some tips:

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Encourage your child to brush and floss regularly to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
• Avoid Hard Foods: For the first few days after the procedure, avoid giving your child hard or crunchy foods that could damage the treated tooth.
• Regular Dental Check-Ups: Schedule regular dental visits to monitor the condition of the treated tooth and overall oral health. 

Why Choose Stone Oak Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics?

1. Experienced Pediatric Dentists: Our team specializes in pediatric dentistry, ensuring your child receives the best care possible.
2. Child-Friendly Environment: We create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere to make dental visits enjoyable for your child. 
3. Comprehensive Restorative Care: We offer a range of restorative services, including root canals, to keep your child's teeth healthy. Explore our restorative care options.
4. Advanced Technology: Our practice uses the latest dental technology to provide high-quality care.
5. Educational Focus: We emphasize the importance of oral hygiene education, helping children develop good habits that last a lifetime.