19 Mar Can Kids Get Root Canals?
Everyone cringes when they hear “root canal.” Painful, long, a bit scary if we’re honest—no one wants to have to get one. When we think of root canals, we usually think of them as something that happens to adults. But what if even kids might need this intervention?
A root canal is a procedure that removes damaged or infected dental pulp from the center of your tooth. While only a dentist can say if someone needs one, problems such as constant pain and tooth sensitivity may point to the need for a root canal. Many people worry about pain, but root canals are usually no more painful than a deep filling. Kids and adults alike may need this treatment. To understand this, we’ll dive a little deeper into what a root canal is, when someone would need one, and what the process can look like for children.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a type of dental therapy performed when the pulp of a tooth—the soft bundle of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels in the center of the tooth that acts as its root—becomes damaged or infected. Dental pulp begins to break down when damaged, causing bacteria to grow. This can lead to:
- Infection
- An abscessed tooth
- Bone loss around the root
- Swelling that can spread to other parts of the body
In these cases, the pulp needs to be removed to preserve the tooth as well as protect overall health. You may be thinking—surely the pulp is important? Yes and no. The nerves of the tooth mainly serve to help you feel hot and cold sensations, which isn’t absolutely necessary. However, removing the pulp will have side effects. The tooth will weaken and become more likely to fracture. To prevent this, the dentist will apply a crown to protect the tooth and maintain its longevity.
When is a root canal necessary?
The only guaranteed way to know if a root canal is necessary by talking to the dentist. However, there are a few signs that may point to needing a root canal. Common symptoms of damaged dental pulp include:
- Pain when chewing
- Long-term pain
- Sensitivity
- Swollen gums
- Tooth discoloration
- The tooth being loose
- Chipped or cracked teeth
Keep in mind that these symptoms don’t automatically mean that a root canal, but they do signal that something isn’t right.
As you might have already noticed, all these symptoms are things that can happen to kids as well. Kids may suffer ongoing toothaches, swollen gums, chipped teeth, or any of the other symptoms mentioned. When the pulp is infected or damaged in a child’s tooth, it needs treatment. This means that yes, root canals are for kids too. If your child is complaining of these symptoms, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Our team can determine the cause and provide treatment to restore their smile.
What’s the treatment like?
Fear of pain prevents many adults from seeking the treatment they need. If adults are too scared to get a root canal, how much worse must it be for kids! But the good news is,
root canals are no more painful than getting a deep filling. Most people experience discomfort after the procedure, but this pain is usually only mild to moderate. The best way to keep pain at a minimum is to follow the dentist’s cleaning instructions and return for any follow-up appointments they recommend. You can give your child over-the-counter pain medicine to help with the discomfort if necessary.
If your child is getting a root canal, take time before their appointment to talk them through what’s going to happen in an age-appropriate way. Let them ask you any questions they might have. Explain to them that their dentist is very qualified, and they’ll be in good hands.
During/After the Procedure
During the procedure, your child will likely be put under anesthesia to prevent pain. They will also likely be given antibiotics afterward to prevent infection. Discuss these treatments with the dentist beforehand to ensure that your child is not allergic to anything they plan to use.
The dentist may decide to seal their tooth during the initial visit. However, some prefer to put medication inside the tooth to clear up any infection and seal it a week later. In this case, a temporary filling is used to prevent any new contaminants from entering the tooth between visits. It’s crucial to help them maintain good oral hygiene during this period of time. This includes:
- Brushing for two minutes, twice a day
- Flossing at least once a day after eating
- Taking them to their follow-up appointment
During their follow-up appointment, the dentist will fill the tooth with a special mixture of sealant paste and rubber compound. The access hole is sealed using a permanent filling. The tooth may also need some restoration to help restore its original functionality. Teeth that require root canals have often experienced other problems, so a crown or other type of restoration may be used to help protect them from further damage. Your dentist will discuss the options and help you determine which is best for your child’s situation.
Wrapping it up
We’ve seen that a root canal is a procedure where the infected or damaged dental pulp is removed from the tooth. Even children can have infected or damaged dental pulp, and so even children may need root canals. Symptoms such as pain and swollen gums may signal that a child needs a root canal, but only your dentist can say for certain. Root canal procedures can have minimal pain with mild to moderate pain during the healing process. If your child is going to undergo a root canal, talk them through the process first to minimize any fear they might experience. If you have more questions about this or suspect that your child might need a root canal, contact our office today to schedule an appointment. We would be happy to see you.
About Our Team
Our team at Bloomingdale Dentistry has over 40 years of experience in the field of dentistry. We have a reputation of excellence in patient treatment and care.
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