Endodontic Treatments for Children in Summerville, SC
Endodontic Treatments for Children in Summerville, SC
Endodontic treatments, often referred to as root canal therapy, provide a specialized dental care option for children designed to manage and treat problems within the tooth’s inner chamber or root canal system. It predominantly addresses issues related to dental pulp, which houses vital components of a tooth, such as nerves and blood vessels. Endodontic treatment is a recommended choice when a child has severe tooth decay, an infection, or an injury that has reached the pulp, causing pain and potential risk of tooth loss.
These procedures typically involve removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning the root canal system, then filling and sealing the canals. With the aid of modern anesthesia and pain management techniques, the procedures are usually comfortable and cause minimal discomfort. The result is instant relief from pain and prevention of further infection. The restored tooth, if cared for properly, can last a lifetime.
With our team of experienced professionals at Endodontic Specialists by Solomon Dental Summerville, SC, we assure you and your child of a safe and compassionate environment for all your dental needs. Contact our office today to schedule your child’s appointment.
Benefits Of Endodontic Treatments For Children Include:
- Prevents infection from spreading to other teeth.
- Alleviates severe tooth pain.
- Preserves the natural tooth, reducing the need for artificial replacements.
- Quick recovery and return to normal activities.
- Minimizes the risk of jawbone degeneration.
- Improves overall oral health and hygiene.
- Saves money in the long term on replacement teeth.
- Boosts self-esteem by maintaining a healthy smile.
- Maintains the alignment of teeth.
- Enhances overall health by curbing the potential for systemic infection from oral bacteria.
CHILDREN'S ENDODONTIC TREATMENTS
Regenerative Endodontics:
A procedure allowing the regeneration of healthy pulp tissue in an immature root where the original pulp has been damaged or infected. Successful treatment encourages new pulp tissue growth, improves tooth strength and functionality, and potentially avoids further endodontic treatment for years.
Apexogenesis:
A procedure that encourages healthy pulp tissue in children to promote proper root development. It uses medication to maintain pulp health and allows the tooth to be sealed against infection. Continued growth thickens root canal walls and seals the root tip (apex), reducing the need for future treatment if the pulp remains healthy.
VITAL PULP TREATMENTS
These include four options for treating baby teeth:
Protective Base:
Ideal when the tooth has decayed, but the pulp is still healthy. After removing the decay, a protective material is applied before filling the tooth.
Vital Pulpotomy:
When pulp decay is present but the root is healthy, the decayed pulp is removed, the tooth is filled with a protective material, and a crown is added.
Direct Pulp Cap:
Treats exposed pulp with medicine. More effective in adult teeth.
Indirect Pulp Cap:
Used when decay is near the pulp. Decay is removed, a protective dressing is applied, and the tooth is filled.
Apexification:
In a tooth with an immature root and unhealthy pulp, the pulp tissue is removed, and medication is applied to the root to form a hard tissue barrier, providing a base for a root canal filling. However, the root canal walls may not fully develop, increasing the risk of fractures.
FAQs
Is endodontic treatment for children painful?
With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report feeling comfortable during the procedure.
Will my child need a special care routine after the treatment?
Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups will suffice.
Can a treated tooth last a lifetime?
Yes, a properly treated and restored tooth can last a lifetime with proper care.
What if my child's tooth pain doesn't go away after the procedure?
While rare, this could indicate the presence of additional canals that weren’t detected during the first procedure. Contact us immediately for a follow-up appointment.
Can all teeth be treated?
Most teeth can be treated. However, an evaluation by Dr. McAbee is needed to determine the most suitable course of action.
Are there alternatives to endodontic treatment?
Yes, alternatives may include tooth extraction. However, saving the natural tooth is always the best option.
