When adults have an infected tooth, then we can help by conducting a root canal procedure. For kids, we offer something similar, but with a more conservative approach. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about helping kids with a pulpotomy procedure.
The Causes and Dangers of an Infected Tooth
How does your little one end up with an infected tooth? A dental infection means that harmful oral bacteria has reached your child’s pulp, the nerve tissues in the center of each tooth. This could happen due to an untreated cavity or an injury to the tooth that has exposed the sensitive inner structures. Without treatment, this could cause the tooth to essentially die, so it must be extracted to prevent the spread of infection to other parts of the smile. Premature tooth loss could then lead to a higher risk of dental misalignment! When your little one complains about pain in a tooth, please schedule a visit right away. We can offer relief and save the tooth with a pulpotomy.
The Pulpotomy Procedure
The procedure involves our team opening the tooth so that we have access to the interior of it. From there, we will gently remove the infected portions of the inner tissue. In comparison, a root canal could necessitate the removal of all interior tissues. We then add a medicated filling to the inside of the tooth. For some, this will complete the procedure. However, for others the infection may be large enough that we need to cap the tooth with a crown. For the side and rear teeth, we may use stainless steel, as this can handle bite forces with ease. For the front facing teeth, we could opt for a more natural looking material known as zirconia.
Keeping Your Children Comfortable
We know that the idea of a procedure as involved as a pulpotomy could be a source of anxiety for kids and parents. But don’t worry, we take steps to ensure your child is comfortable. This starts with how we talk to your kids, helping them feel welcomed and comfortable. We then offer a local aesthesia to the area to numb it, along with sedation to help them enter deep states of calm, often with little memory of the procedure at all.
If you have any questions about how our team will take on infected teeth with a pulpotomy, or if your child has a tooth that needs attention, then contact our team today.
PDC Kids Wants to Offer Endodontic Care for Kids
We want to stop discomfort and protect your child’s smile from major complications and pain. To find out more about treating infections in little smiles, call Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda in Dallas, TX, today at (214) 321-4880.
filed under: Restorations for Kids
