Baby teeth are important for maintaining the proper spacing for adult teeth, chewing and aiding in speech development, so it’s important to preserve them until they naturally fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth.

For example, the Incisors (front teeth) fall out by 6-8 years, the Molars (back teeth) by 10-12 years and the canines by 12-13 years.

If a baby tooth becomes infected or damaged due to decay or injury, a root canal treatment may be recommended to save the tooth, until it’s time for the tooth to naturally fall out.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment is a procedure used to treat infected or damaged dental pulp (nerve), which is the soft tissue inside a tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. This treatment can be done on both permanent and baby teeth.

In baby teeth, the most common reason for a root canal is an infection caused by deep decay resulting in tooth pain, swelling, and damage to the tooth. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other teeth and cause further damage.

How is a Root canal Treatment performed for a child’s tooth?

Root canal treatment for a baby tooth involves removing the infected or damaged nerve, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and then filling the space with a special material. In some instances, a crown is then placed on top of the tooth to help protect it and restore its function.

The treatment requires the use of local anaesthesia to block the sensation of pain while carrying out the procedure. It might cause a little discomfort but we are well versed with the techniques suited for kids as it is a routine procedure we do at the clinic.

A thorough examination, followed by an x-ray is vital to reciprocate the need for root canal treatment and Dr Riddhi and her team will walk you through the best possible treatment options available for your child.

Alternatively, based on the extent of dental decay, if it is only in the upper portion of the tooth a procedure called Pulpotomy can also be a treatment option. During a pulpotomy, we remove the decayed portion of the pulp, leaving the healthy portion intact. Then, a medicated filling is placed in the remaining pulp tissue to promote healing and prevent further decay. The tooth is then sealed with a filling or crown to protect it from further damage.

While your anxiety may shoot up, it is important to know that anxious parents can pass their anxieties to their children.

So try to be relaxed and positive. We would all like the dental visit of your child to be a good experience. Treat the visit as a routine part of life and health care.

It’s important to remember that even though baby teeth are eventually going to fall out, they play an important role in the development of permanent teeth and jaw. Keeping them healthy is important for the child’s oral health and overall well-being.

Keep in mind that, if a baby tooth is treated with a root canal, it’s still possible for the tooth to become infected again in the future, and a repeat treatment or extraction may be necessary. Regular dental check-ups are important to monitor the health of the treated tooth and to detect any issues early on.