Does Your Child Need A Root Canal? A Brief Explanation
Root canals are one of the most common dental operations and very widely known in the broader population. What is less known, however, is if they still make sense as a solution for problems with baby teeth. To understand whether or not your child will need a root canal, you need to first take a look at what root canals actually encompass. Here is a brief explanation of root canals and whether or not your child is likely to need one for their dental problems. Then you will have a more informed view and approach the whole situation with confidence.
What Is A Root Canal?
Your teeth are composed of two main parts: the outer shell and the inner pulp. The inner part of your teeth, known as the pulp, is a much more sensitive material and is connected to nerves and so on. Root canals deal with the removal of the pulp while leaving the outer tooth intact. This pulp is then replaced with special dental material and sealed with a crown so that the tooth is solid and can continue being used as if nothing had happened. This is less invasive than dental implants, but the reasons for it vary.
Why Would You Need A Root Canal?
Root canals are only really done if the actual pulp of the tooth is infected or inflamed in some way. Most dental problems occur to the outside shell of the tooth, but occasionally, the pulp does get irritated, and when that happens, it can be much more painful. Even more dangerous is the possibility of the pulp spreading that infection to other teeth, which is a very real possibility. That is why root canals are usually done quickly after diagnosis to stop the spread in its tracks and ensure your whole mouth's health remains relatively good.
Do Children Need It?
Doing root canals on baby teeth is not generally advised unless the possibility of further infection is great. Most of the time, if a child's baby tooth has an issue, then it is simpler for them to just have it removed and then wait until their adult teeth grow in. However, with root canals and pulp infections, you simply cannot wait that long, or else you put your child in a much greater danger than they are now. That is why your dentist may be suggesting a root canal for your child, and if so that is probably your best and safest course of action.
Share