Baby Root Canal (Pulpotomy) in Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Roswell, GA
When a cavity gets too large, it can begin to eat all the way through a tooth and approach the nerve of a baby tooth. If this happens, the tooth and gums may become infected and inflamed. Situations like this can call for a baby root canal.
What is a Baby Root Canal?
A baby root canal or pulpotomy is when a Pediatric Dentist in Roswell removes a cavity and the infected portion of pulp, nerve, and blood vessels that are diseased or causing pain. When it comes to baby root canals or pulpotomies, there are 2 versions that can take place.
- Partial Pulpotomy: A partial pulpotomy is when the infected parts of the tooth and pulp are removed. The pediatric dentist will drill into the tooth to remove all diseased areas and also remove any affected portions of the nerve. Once complete and everything is removed, medication will be placed onto the recently diseased area to prevent further decay or infection. Once complete, a crown will be placed on top of the treated tooth in order to help protect the tooth and stabilize the tooth for permanent teeth that will grow in the future. When placing the crown, often a tooth will be shaved down in order to help fit the shape of the crown to optimize placement for a perfect smile.
- Complete Pulpotomy (Pulpectomy): A complete pulpotomy is when the nerve and pulp of the teeth are so infected that everything must be removed. As opposed to a part where a portion of the tooth can be salvaged, a complete pulpotomy will require the whole tooth and its roots to be treated. Once everything is removed from the tooth, the inside of the tooth is filled with dental cement that will help the tooth maintain its position and then will be stabilized with a crown. As we mentioned above, this is important for lessening or negating the need for orthodontic treatment in the future.
Please note that, unlike adult root canals, baby root canals serve to maintain or restore the tooth’s shape and position. We don’t just extract the piece; instead, we restore its structural integrity to avoid additional complications as the kid continues their dental development.
The Baby Root Canal Procedure
The procedure for a baby root canal can be split up into three parts:
- Excavation: Similar to a filling, your Johns Creek pediatric dentist will first drill and remove any areas of the teeth that are decayed or infected by the cavity. Because the cavity is large and accesses the pulpal chamber, the children’s dentist will excavate once they have reached the infected pulp. Once done so, they will use a high-speed burr/drill and or a spoon excavator to remove the nerve and pulp that are infected.
- Sterilization: Once all infected areas have been removed, the pediatric dentist in Alpharetta will coat the recently excavated area with a special medication and sterilizer that will help keep the area infection free.
- Crowning: After the area has been sterilized, the pediatric dentist will then want to place a crown on top of the tooth in order to help keep the tooth protected, while also supporting the rest of the teeth in structure and placement. In order to place the crown, the tooth will be shaved down and then the crown will be fitted that will match the structure of the rest of the smile.
What is The Difference Between a Baby Root Canal and an Extraction?
Baby root canals attempt to salvage as much of a tooth as possible. So after removing any diseased or infected area, the tooth’s structure is usually kept, while supported by a crown, in order to maintain the shape of the tooth in the smile.
It is common thought that baby teeth will eventually fall out anyways, however in this case it does not mean a tooth should automatically be extracted. It is better to conduct the baby root canal and maintain the structure of the tooth. By doing this, it allows for other teeth in the mouth to grow and develop into the right places when permanent teeth also come in. Ensuring that the original tooth can be kept in its position, it will help the child retain the full function of their smile, teeth, jaw, and tongue.
Signs that a Baby Root Canal May be Needed
Parents should avoid trying to diagnose their children. Proper diagnosis requires a specially trained eye and tools from a trained baby dentist in Johns Creek. However, there are some signs that can point to a possible need for a baby root canal Alpharetta. These include:
- A child complaining of toothaches or tooth pain
- Redness and swelling of the gum around the tooth
- Sensitivity when eating
Baby Root Canals Are Quick and Easy!
Unlike adult root canals, Alpharetta baby root canals are actually a pretty quick procedure. Baby root canals in Alpharetta only take a few minutes and can be finished in one single visit. Therefore, no additional visits are needed.
FAQ
What is the treatment needed for baby root canal?
If you are curious about a baby root canal in Alpharetta, we can answer your questions. When your child comes in for a baby root canal, we will help them remain comfortable and calm. We will sedate your child, so we can get to work on the tooth. Once finished, if your child experiences pain, we recommend over-the-counter pain medication.
Are Baby Root Canals Necessary?
Baby root canals in Johns Creek can be necessary for children who have bad enough cavities that affect the nerve. When the nerve is severely affected, it can cause uncomfortable pain. Your child will need to have a root canal done to ease the pain and save the tooth from further damage.
What is a Pulpotomy?
A pulpotomy in Alpharetta is also known as a baby root canal Alpharetta. It is the process where there is a severely infected tooth that has decayed due to cavities. The decayed part of the tooth needs to be removed, so the tooth is not further infected. It is removed, and a crown and sealant are placed over the tooth to protect it.
What is the difference between a root canal and a Pulpotomy?
Pulpotomy in Johns Creek is also called a baby root canal. They are just two different terms for the same process. An infected tooth needs the decay removed and covered with a crown and sealant in order to protect it from further decay.
How long does a baby root canal take?
A baby root canal in Roswell can usually take around thirty to sixty minutes. If the decay on the tooth is more severe, it can take about ninety minutes for the procedure. Every person’s case is different so we recommend speaking to your pediatric dentist.