Signs Your Child Might Need a Root Canal

As parents, we will always want what’s best for our child’s oral health, but sometimes children may experience dental issues that require more than their routine care. Pediatric root canals are considered one of the best ways that teeth can be cared for by dentists, and in this article, we’ll discuss the signs that your child may need a root canal and help you recognize the symptoms to seek effective dental care. 

The Signs Your Child May Need a Pediatric Root Canal

Pediatric root canals, also known as a pulpectomy, is a dental treatments performed to help save a decaying or infected tooth. The procedure involves removing the damaged pulp from the tooth’s root canal, disinfecting the area, and filling it to restore the tooth’s function. Children will often receive either a dental filling or a pediatric dental crown. 

Is a root canal safe for your child? Absolutely! Root canals are considered the best defensive measure against harmful cavities that cannot be cleaned and filled normally, and when your child has an infected tooth, a root canal can be the best treatment they can receive to help keep that pain away and have a healthy smile. Some of the signs you should look out for include: 

• Severe Tooth Pain: If your child’s telling you that they’re experiencing pain throughout their mouth, then it can indicate an underlying infection that requires root canal treatment. 
• Sensitivity to Hot and Cold: If they have trouble with eating hot foods or cold beverages, then it could be a sign of pulp inflammation or infection. 
• Tooth Discoloration: Any sign of discoloration on the tooth can be a sign of trauma, enamel erosion, or pulp damage. If you start noticing visible signs on your child’s tooth, then have them seek dental attention as soon as possible. 
• Swollen Gums: Signs of redness and swelling along the gum line can indicate many problems, but if the swelling occurs along a specific area of the mouth, then it could be an abscess, which is a sign of an infection. 
• Persistent Bad Breath: If your child has bad breath that can’t be removed with brushing and flossing, then it could also be a sign of an infected tooth that requires root canal treatment. 

Remember, regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices are crucial for preventing tooth decay and the need for extensive treatments like root canals. Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day, floss daily, and maintain a balanced diet. Together, we can protect their precious smiles and keep them shining bright.

Visit Smiling Kids Pediatric Dentistry Noblesville For a Pediatric Root Canal Today

If you notice any of these signs, then it’s essential to schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist. At Smiling Kids Pediatric Dentistry in Noblesville, IN, our team specializes in providing gentle, compassionate dental care for children and can provide pediatric root canals when needed. Call us at (317) 773-KIDS(5437) to speak with Dr. Sam Bullard today to learn more about our services.