A lot of parents don’t see their kids’ cavities as that big of a deal. Baby teeth fall out regardless, so how could a child’s tooth decay do real harm? However, your children’s smiles should stay whole as long as possible; their health will suffer otherwise. It’s to the point that dentists will sometimes perform a pulpectomy – a root canal for kids. Your Grove Heights pediatric dentist can explain, so read on for further facts and details.
Why Should Kids Preserve Their Baby Teeth?
Everyone loses baby teeth over time, but it’s best if they fall out naturally. Losing them early due to cavities or tooth decay is bad for a child’s development.
You see, baby teeth play several key roles as people age. They help your kiddo eat and speak, and they ensure the permanent teeth emerge properly. Early childhood tooth loss would make meals and conversations tricky for your child. At the same time, it could lead to orthodontic crowding, misalignments, and bite problems.
Really, kids should lose their baby teeth as late as possible. That path leads to better living and better smiles in the long run.
The Pulpectomy: Keeping Baby Teeth Safe
When a child’s cavity could cause tooth loss, many dentists will suggest a pulpectomy. This treatment is a kid-friendly root canal that saves baby teeth – for a time, anyway.
A normal pulpectomy has several steps, many in common with root canals. First, the dentist will numb the treatment site with an anesthetic; doing so makes treatment pain-free. They’ll then place a rubber dental dam over your child’s open tooth to keep it isolated. Once that’s done, the dentist will remove any decay, remove the inner pulp, and disinfect the tooth’s interior.
Rest assured, the pulpectomy won’t have any lasting side effects. The most your child will experience is a mild sensitivity, which will taper off quickly.
Helping Your Child Avoid a Pulpectomy
It’s always better if your child doesn’t need to get a pulpectomy. Given that fact, remember to practice the following tips:
- Teach Them to Brush & Floss – Cavities often develop in hard-to-reach teeth, so make sure your child practices thorough brushing and flossing.
- Monitor Their Diet – A diet packed with sugar will likely give your child cavities. Given that fact, have them eat mouth-healthy foods like lean proteins, leafy greens, and crisp fruits instead.
- Book Regular Dental Visits – If a dentist detects your kiddo’s cavity earlier, they can fix it with a less invasive treatment.
A root canal for kids can seem extreme, but it serves a crucial purpose. Keep that in mind as you keep your children’s smiles cavity-free!
About the Practice
The superheroic Mighty Molars is based right in Inver Grove Heights, MN. Led by the mighty Dr. Strumpf, our practice works hard to fight the evils of poor oral health. That means we offer kids preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency dental care as needed. Our team is even ready to save teeth with pulpectomies – the root canals for little ones! For more details or to book a visit, please reach us on our website or by phone at (651)-450-6111.