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A root canal is a common procedure to save a patient's original tooth. Children and adults alike can benefit from root canals, but there are some special considerations to bear in mind if your dental care provider has suggested one for your child. Learn more about the procedure below.

Benefits

Many parents assume that since a child will eventually lose their baby teeth anyway, there isn't much point to a root canal, but a dentist wants to preserve those teeth. Baby teeth play crucial roles in the development of healthy chewing and speaking abilities. They also guide the adult teeth to emerge correctly into position. Therefore, root canal therapy saves not only the baby tooth but the adult tooth to come.

Causes

dental care

If a tooth has been severely damaged or infected, a standard filling may not be enough to restore the tooth. Common causes include a deep cavity, an abscess, or an injury to the child's face or mouth that resulted in a deep crack or chip.

The Procedure

There is a widespread misconception that root canals are painful and laborious procedures. In actuality, the procedures are performed every day, and dental care providers make sure patients are comfortable. The children's dentist begins by drilling a tiny hole in the top of the affected tooth. Through this hole, the dentist will remove the infected or inflamed pulp, then rinse out the space with a disinfecting liquid. Once clean, the dentist fills the space with a rubbery substance called gutta-percha. Finally, they seal the hole, and they may top the tooth with a crown to further protect its integrity.

 

To see if a root canal is right for your child, contact Pedodontic Associates. For over 25 years, they've provided pediatric dental care for kids of all ages on Oahu and Maui from three convenient locations. Make an appointment by calling (808) 735-1733 (Honolulu), (808) 487-7933 (Aiea), or (808) 877-0066 (Kahului), or visit their website to find out more about their offerings.

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