Baby ToothRoot Canal Treatment

Root Canal Treatment for Baby Teeth

Root canal treatments, known as pulpotomies or pulpectomies in baby teeth, are performed by paediatric dentists at Brisbane Paediatric Dentist to treat tooth pulp that is damaged, diseased, or dead due to decay or injury. These dental treatments, including space maintainers, aim to preserve the baby tooth until its natural exfoliation, thereby maintaining the proper space and alignment for the eruption of the permanent tooth.

Indications for a Baby Tooth Root Canal:

• Deep decay that has reached the tooth’s pulp
• Trauma that damages the inner tooth without destroying the structure
• An abscess or infection that has developed inside the tooth or at the root tip

Types of Root Canal Treatments for Baby Teeth:

1. Pulpotomy: Removes the diseased pulp tissue within the crown portion of the tooth. A medicament is placed to preserve the remaining healthy pulp in the roots, followed by a restoration, usually a stainless steel crown.
2. Pulpectomy: Removes all the pulp from the crown and the root. This is done in cases where the root pulp is also infected. The canals are then filled with a resorbable material.

Symptoms Indicating the Need for a Root Canal:

• Severe toothache, especially when chewing
• Sensitivity to temperature changes
• Discoloration of the tooth
• Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums
• A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums (fistula)

A pediatric dentist will evaluate symptoms and use diagnostic tools, such as X-rays, to confirm the extent of the pulp damage before proceeding. The goal of the treatment is to retain the affected baby tooth to ensure proper chewing, speaking, and the maintenance of space until it is naturally replaced by a permanent tooth. Properly performed, these treatments are safe and effective, with high success rates.

Treatment is conducted under local anesthesia and is generally well tolerated by children. Careful post-operative instructions are given to parents to ensure proper healing and to watch for any signs of continued infection.