Pflugerville, TX
Root Canals
Dental Root Canals for Pflugerville, TX Kids of All Ages
When Are Root Canals Recommended for Children?
We may recommend a root canal to preserve your child’s primary (baby) teeth that have experienced decay or trauma, ensuring they last until it’s time for their adult teeth to emerge. A root canal procedure involves removing a tooth’s damaged pulp area, cleaning and disinfecting it, and then filling and sealing it. If left untreated, an infection can lead to an abscess, causing swelling and severe pain.
Early treatment and diagnosis are crucial to ensure the affected tooth can be repaired and saved to maintain the proper alignment and spacing of permanent teeth. The pulp inside your child’s tooth can become severely decayed or infected due to any of the following:
- Deep decay from untreated cavities
- A crack or chip in the tooth
- Facial trauma from a fall or impact
- Abscess formation
Do Root Canals Affect Permanent Tooth Development?
With appropriate care and treatment, children can recover effectively from a root canal, allowing for normal development and minimizing the risk of complications that could affect their adult teeth. Regular check-ups and cleanings and teaching your child how to maintain their oral hygiene at home may help them avoid needing a root canal. However, when root canal treatment is necessary in the Pflugerville area, you’re in capable hands with Anthony Bain DDS and his experienced staff.
An Overview of the Root Canal Procedure to Ease Anxiety
Pediatric root canals address issues similar to those of adults but taking developing teeth into consideration. Dr. Bain is an experienced pediatric dentist trained in root canals and other dental treatments for kids. Treatment will begin with a thorough exam (taking x-rays as needed) to understand the extent of your child’s tooth infection or decay. If they need a root canal, we’ll apply local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth and ensure their comfort.
Next, Dr. Bain will create an opening in the tooth to access and remove the infected pulp. He will clean and shape the root canals, and a rubber-like material will be used to seal the tooth and prevent future infection. Finally, a dental crown or filling may be placed to restore the tooth’s function and appearance. After a root canal, your child may experience discomfort for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage symptoms. Regular brushing and flossing may continue, but your child should avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it’s fully restored. Follow up with our office for post-care instructions.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment at Our Pflugerville Practice
- Pain Relief – Root canal treatment eliminates the cause of the pain by removing the infected tooth tissue from your child’s mouth.
- Tooth Preservation – A root canal helps save your child’s natural tooth, avoiding extraction and helping to guide the proper alignment of adult teeth. Additionally, root canals help protect surrounding teeth for optimal oral health by preventing the spread of infection.
- Restored Functionality – Once the root canal procedure is over, your child’s tooth can function like any other tooth. They’ll be able to eat and speak without pain or discomfort.
- Healthy Smile – Root canals enable children to maintain their confidence, as a healthy smile is pivotal to their self-image and social interactions with their peers.