PEDIATRIC PULPAL THERAPY
Root Canal Therapy For Children
Wells Endodontics proudly extends services to younger patients.
What is pediatric pulpal therapy?
Pediatric pulpal therapy is a pediatric dental treatment used to treat and preserve a child's natural tooth that has been affected by an injury or tooth decay. The pulp is soft tissue located inside the teeth. When a tooth becomes damaged or decayed, the pulp may be exposed to bacteria, causing infection and pain.
What can I expect during pediatric pulpal therapy?
Initially, visual examinations and X-rays of the affected areas will be performed. The amount and location of pulp damage dictate the nature of the treatment. Although there are several other treatments available, the pediatric pulpotomy and pulpectomy procedures are among the most commonly performed.
PULPOTOMY VERSUS PULPECTOMY
Pulpotomy
If the pulp root remains unaffected by injury or decay, meaning that the problem is isolated in the pulp tip, the pediatric dentist may leave the healthy part alone and only remove the affected pulp and surrounding tooth decay. The resulting gap is then filled with a biocompatible, therapeutic material, which prevents infection and soothes the pulp root. Most commonly, a crown is placed on the tooth after treatment. The crown strengthens the tooth structure, minimizing the risk of future fractures.
Pulpotomy treatment is extremely versatile. It can be performed as a standalone treatment on baby teeth and growing permanent teeth, or as the initial step in a full root canal treatment.
Pulpectomy
Pulpectomy is the medical term for root canal. In the case of severe tooth decay or trauma, the entire tooth pulp (including the root canals) may be affected. In these circumstances, the pediatric dentist must remove the pulp, cleanse the root canals, and then pack the area with biocompatible material. At Wells Endodontics, root canals usually are completed in a single visit.
In general, re-absorbable material is used to fill primary teeth, and non-re-absorbable material is used to fill permanent teeth. Either way, the final treatment step is to place a crown on the tooth to add strength and provide structural support.
Symptoms to look for:
Constant unexplained pain
Nighttime pain
Sensitivity to warm and cool food temperatures
Swelling or redness around the affected tooth
Unexpected looseness or mobility of the affected tooth
The inflamed or injured pulp is exceptionally painful. Even if the source of the pain isn’t visible, it will quickly become obvious that the child needs to see the pediatric dentist.