While most people often associate root canals with permanent teeth, children may require a root canal in certain circumstances as well. Children have their baby teeth until around the age of six or seven when they begin to fall out. After a child’s baby teeth fall out, their permanent teeth should erupt shortly after. If your child needs a root canal for any reason, it can be performed on baby teeth just as it is often performed on permanent teeth. While the thought of your child getting a root canal can be frightening, working with a skilled pediatric dentist can make it much easier.
Does My Child Need a Root Canal?
A root canal involves removing diseased pulp from the tooth. Pulp is the tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels that fill the tooth’s roots. Depending on the tooth, it can have multiple roots. These roots are what keeps teeth secure in our gums and jaw bone. Root canals are necessary when the tooth is severely damaged or infected.
Parents often wonder why their child may need a root canal when the baby teeth will fall out anyway. Despite baby teeth falling out, avoiding a root canal can have severe consequences for your child. If your child’s tooth falls out too soon due to damage or infection, it can cause speech problems, problems with chewing and eating, and the infection can even spread to other parts of their body. A root canal will allow the baby tooth to heal and fall out when it would naturally.
Signs Your Child Needs a Root Canal
Your child may exhibit certain symptoms that should alert you to get them to the dentist as they may need a root canal. Children are often active outdoors and may injure themselves. A severely damaged tooth may require a root canal. They may also just have a cavity that has turned into an infection, which may require a root canal. No matter the cause, below are some of the most common symptoms that show your child may need a root canal.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Pain when chewing or biting down
- Swollen or tender gums
- Dark gums
- Pimples found or gums
If your child experiences any of the symptoms above, schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist. Even if your child is attending their regular dental appointments every six months, you’ll want to get in as soon as possible. Addressing issues of damage or infection early is the best indicator of a positive outcome for your child.
Pediatric Dentist Chino Hills
While the dentist often brings up concern and anxiety for both parents and children, finding a pediatric dentist skilled in root canals can ease a lot of stress. It’s important to remember that early treatment is vital for your child’s dental and overall health. Avoiding a root canal is a major risk even if it is just your child’s baby teeth. Not getting a root canal can result in bone loss around the jaw or the root of your child’s tooth. It can also lead to swelling in your child’s neck, face, and head for prolonged periods, which can be problematic for their dental and overall health. Checking in with your dentist between your child’s six-month dental checkups if you notice your child exhibiting any of the symptoms above is strongly advised.
Periodontics Chino Hills
If you think your child’s tooth is damaged or infected, contact the dentists at Dental Care of Chino Hills. The dentists provide patients with complete treatment plans to help with any dental issues, including pediatric root canals. Contact the office today for an appointment!