Pediatric Dentistry
Baby Root Canals in Mill Woods
Arch Dental — Mill Woods, Edmonton
Baby Root Canals in Mill Woods, Edmonton — available at Arch Dental, #207 - 7319 29 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6K 2P1.
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Arch Dental
Baby Root Canals in Mill Woods
Baby teeth play a vital role in your child’s oral development, but their thin enamel makes them more vulnerable to cavities. When decay reaches the nerve inside a baby tooth, there are usually only two treatment options: remove the tooth or perform a baby root canal (pulpotomy). At Arch Dental, we focus on preserving your child’s natural teeth whenever possible, helping them maintain a healthy smile until their permanent teeth are ready to come in.
Baby Root Canals
How Does a Baby Root Canal Help?
Once the nerve of a baby tooth is infected, a regular filling cannot solve the problem. Covering the infection only traps bacteria inside, which may lead to abscesses, swelling, and pain.
A baby root canal (pulpotomy) addresses the issue by removing the infected portion of the nerve while preserving the rest of the tooth. This treatment:
- Relieves pain and stops infection
- Preserves the baby tooth until the adult tooth develops
- Lowers the risk of early tooth loss and orthodontic issues later on
To restore strength and protect the tooth, a crown is placed after the procedure.
Baby Root Canals
Why Not Pull the Tooth?
Extracting a baby tooth too soon can disrupt normal oral development. Potential complications include:
- Crowding
- Gaps between teeth
- Impacted adult teeth
- Permanent teeth erupting at angles
By saving the tooth with a baby root canal, we support proper jaw growth and help reduce the need for orthodontic treatment in the future.
Baby Root Canals
Preparing for Treatment
A pediatric pulpotomy and crown is performed using local anaesthetic to keep your child comfortable. After treatment:
- Remind your child not to chew their lips or cheeks while numb.
- Mild discomfort may occur but usually resolves within a day or two.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any initial soreness.
Most children return to normal eating and activities quickly after their appointment.
Baby Root Canals
Abscess or Cavity?
Not every cavity requires a baby root canal. Cavities limited to the enamel can often be treated with simple fillings. However, when decay reaches the nerve, as seen on an X-ray. It’s only a matter of time before an abscess forms. In these cases, a pulpotomy is the most effective way to stop the infection and protect your child’s smile.