How to Prepare Your Child for an Endodontic (Root Canal) Treatment
While root canals can be frightening for many children, they aren’t painful. The dentist will usually use topical numbing cream before injecting local anesthesia. If your child is afraid of the dentist, they will likely use laughing gas to soothe them before beginning the procedure. Regardless of the reason, the dentist near you will do everything possible to make your child feel comfortable during the process.
Why Your Kid May Require a Root Canal Treatment?
If your child suffers from tooth decay, you may need a root canal treatment in Seminole, FL. The pulp tissues can get infected because of a bacterial infection or repeated dental procedures on the affected tooth.
You can feel your child’s need to visit a root canal dentist near you if they suffer from;
- Lingering tooth sensitivity
- Swelling of the gums
- Tooth pain
- Tender and darkened gums
Know What to Expect During the Endodontic Treatment?
Your pediatric dentist in Seminole will perform additional tests to determine the cause of your child’s toothache. X-rays can help your dentist determine the extent of the infection and also detect any underlying conditions. Radiolucency, or dark spot around the root of a tooth, is a sign that the tooth is infected and needs root canal treatment. You should expect to be awake during this procedure to follow instructions carefully.
The dentist numbs the gums and removes the decayed or infected pulp. The pulp chamber is cleaned, and a dental dam is used to seal the area. The dentist will cover the area with a temporary filling to protect the area. However, temporary fillings are often not as strong as permanent ones and can break or chip. The dentist will then make the permanent crown to restore the function and strength of the teeth.
After a root canal, your child’s mouth will be sore and tender. You should avoid giving your child anything hard to eat for the day after the procedure. Visit a dental office in Seminole for checkups and cleaning to improve oral hygiene and prevent future cavities.
Pulpotomy of a Baby Tooth
The first pulpotomy procedure is removing the decayed portion of the tooth. The process can take 30 minutes or slightly longer. Dr. Cecilia Sorrelle will numb the gums to ease the pain before starting the procedure.
The pulpotomy procedure is similar to a root canal but is performed on a baby tooth. It saves most of the natural pulp and helps keep the tooth alive. It also helps the baby tooth’s roots grow, which will help the adult tooth to erupt correctly. Because the baby tooth is still growing, the pulpotomy procedure will allow it to continue developing typically. Your child will have a permanent tooth in its place.
Pulpotomy can save your child’s primary teeth. These teeth are essential for proper development and can be lost before your child’s permanent teeth are fully formed. Besides affecting speech and chewing, losing a baby tooth can affect the alignment of the permanent teeth. Root canals can save your child’s primary teeth and prevent future complications.
What to Eat and Drink After Surgery
After the root canal procedure, your child’s gum may be swollen and sore. Watching what they eat to hasten the pain and swelling is essential. Smooth and less chewy foods are recommended in the first few days after the root canal treatment. A high-quality protein diet will aid gum recovery.
Protein is a fundamental nutrient for the body, serving as the building block of tissues, and it helps in wound healing and tissue regeneration. In addition to being a fantastic recovery food, you can include lean meats, eggs, beans, nuts, and tofu in your diet. While dairy may be tempting, it is best to avoid them altogether. Instead, you can consume protein powder or add it to a drink for a protein boost.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Dental Arts Seminole for more information about root canal procedures in children and what can be expected.
