When a Pediatric Root Canal May Be Necessary

Pediatric Root Canal Parker, CO

A pediatric root canal is sometimes necessary to prevent the loss of a decayed or damaged baby tooth. Although the goal is to prevent dental cavities and tooth infections, they can still develop, especially in young children (who, on average, are more prone to cavities than teens and adults). It is essential to quickly detect the signs of a cavity or tooth infection that will require a pediatric root canal.

Signs and symptoms that indicate a need for a pediatric root canal

Adults usually know when an oral health concern is serious and requires prompt care. However, children may be unable to detect and communicate the signs effectively. This means the parent is responsible for checking for the most common signs and symptoms and seeking pediatric dental care if they are present. Here are the most common symptoms and signs that indicate a need for a pediatric root canal.

Visible signs of a deep dental cavity

Perhaps the most obvious sign of a deep dental cavity is a visible hole in the tooth that is notably large. The child may be able to feel the cavity with their tongue or see it while inspecting their teeth in the mirror. That said, it can be challenging to detect cavities, especially those in the hard-to-reach areas of the teeth. For this reason, all children should visit the pediatric dentist every four to six months for a check-up. The dentist can check all areas of the teeth and detect any cavities before they worsen.

Severe tooth pain and sensitivity

Visiting the pediatric dentist whenever a child reports tooth discomfort is vital. A tooth that requires a root canal procedure is likely to cause severe discomfort. This is especially the case if it has become infected. In this case, the pain may be constant and affect the child’s ability to function. If there is only a cavity and no infection, it may only hurt while eating or when exposed to hot or cold temperatures.

Swollen and painful gums

Deep dental cavities and tooth infections often impact the gums. Specifically, they may become swollen, tender, and discolored due to an infection inside of a tooth’s root. This is a serious symptom, as a severe tooth infection that is not promptly treated could spread to other parts of the mouth and body and cause a more severe health concern. Also, swollen and painful gums that result from a deep dental cavity indicate that the tooth may not last long without a pediatric root canal procedure.

Contact our pediatric dentistry today to schedule a consultation

Our pediatric dental team can diagnose and effectively treat cavities and tooth infections that require a pediatric root canal to resolve. If your child experiences any of the aforementioned symptoms or signs, we encourage you to call us today and schedule a time for a convenient consultation visit for your child. We would be happy to help! 

Request an appointment here: https://www.canyonridgepediatricdentistry.com or call Canyon Ridge Pediatric Dentistry at (303) 841-7900 for an appointment in our Parker office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Parker, CO.

Related Posts

Cavity Prevention Dentist Tips For Your Baby

Parents should focus on cavity prevention tips for the babies as early as possible. Preventing cavities should start at a young age. Bring your babies to a pediatric dentist the moment they start eating solid food. The dentist will then give you advice on how to take care of your kids’ oral and dental health.Cavities…

How Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Happens

If you have a toddler, it's important to know how to prevent baby bottle tooth decay so that your little one can enjoy the healthy smile you want them to have! Bottle mouth, also known as infant caries, early childhood caries (ECC) can happen if your child spends a lot of time with a bottle…

Children's Preventive And Routine Oral Care Is Important

Neglecting good oral care is a habit that too many people fall into. This can happen with teens and adults alike. However, young children frequently struggle with these everyday activities. The consequences can be severe and have long-term effects. As a parent, you need to help with a few essential steps so your son or…

Kids Dentist Guide For Children's Thumb Sucking

A kids dentist can offer personalized care to your growing child. Ideally, a child’s dentist should care for young patients throughout their childhood years. They should form a relationship with each child and monitor all aspects of their oral health.Pediatric dentists spend much of their time charting the developmental milestones of young patients. They provide…