Cavities and tooth damage are some of the most common dental issues we see in children. Left untreated, they can lead to tooth pain, sensitivity, and even tooth loss.
Primary tooth nerve treatment or a pulpotomy, commonly called a baby root canal, is a dental procedure that saves decayed or damaged baby teeth, relieves pain, and protects your child’s oral health.
We offer primary tooth nerve treatment at our pediatric dental office in Southwest Ranches, FL.
Key Takeaway
Primary tooth nerve treatment (baby root canal), is a procedure that removes infected tissue from a baby tooth to relieve pain, prevent further damage, and save the tooth.
Understanding the Layers of a Tooth
Teeth are made up of different layers, each playing a crucial role in dental health:
- Enamel: The tough, outer layer that protects the tooth from damage and decay.
- Dentin: Found beneath the enamel, dentin is more vulnerable to decay if exposed.
- Pulp Chamber: The innermost part of the tooth, containing soft tissue, including blood vessels and nerve tissue. This is what keeps the tooth alive and healthy.
If the pulp tissue becomes infected or inflamed due to a deep cavity or injury, a pulpotomy may be needed to save the tooth.
What Is Primary Tooth Nerve Treatment?
Primary tooth nerve treatment is a specialized dental treatment for baby teeth that removes damaged pulp tissue from the pulp chamber.
Removing the damaged tissue and keeping the healthy parts of the tooth intact prevents the need for extraction. This ensures the tooth can continue to support normal chewing and proper alignment while maintaining your overall oral health.
This treatment helps to:
- Address pain caused by inflamed pulp tissue.
- Treat deep cavities that have reached the pulp chamber.
- Preserve the tooth to support proper alignment and chewing function.
- Prevent the spread of infection to surrounding teeth or tissue.
Timely care ensures the tooth can continue to function and supports long-term oral health.
Procedure Details
Our team takes special care to ensure your child feels comfortable during every step of the procedure:
- We provide gentle sedation (nitrous oxide), to help your child stay calm and relaxed.
- The decayed portion of the tooth is carefully removed. Only the damaged tissue in the pulp chamber is removed, leaving healthy nerve tissue in place.
- A medicated material is applied to prevent infection and encourage healing.
- After treating the tooth, we cover it with a strong stainless steel crown or a tooth-colored crown to protect it and restore its function.
The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to complete and is done in a single visit. It quickly relieves discomfort and ensures the tooth remains functional and protected.
Benefits of a Pulpotomy
A pulpotomy helps maintain dental health and prevents future complications:
- Preserves the tooth: Keeps the tooth in place, ensuring proper alignment for permanent teeth.
- Relieves pain: Treats the inflammation causing discomfort.
- Prevents tooth loss: Saving a baby tooth keeps the surrounding teeth in place, guides permanent teeth into proper alignment, and ensures normal chewing and speech development.
👶🦷Baby Teeth Matter!
Baby teeth are essential for your child’s oral development. They hold space for permanent teeth, help with chewing and speaking, and support proper jaw growth.
Losing a baby tooth too early due to decay or extraction can cause alignment issues and may require orthodontic treatment later.
That’s why tooth extraction is always the last resort and why we focus on preserving the baby tooth whenever possible.
Indirect Pulp Cap for Primary (baby) and Permanent Teeth
Indirect pulp cap (IPC) is a treatment for primary and permanent teeth. This procedure is designed to treat deep cavities that are close to the pulp but haven’t yet caused significant damage to the nerve.
The decayed portion of the tooth is carefully removed, and a protective material is placed over the pulp to shield it from further irritation or infection. This treatment helps preserve the tooth and supports long-term dental health.
For more advanced cases requiring root canal therapy, we refer patients to trusted specialists to ensure the best possible care.
Primary Tooth Root Canals (Pulpotomy) Vs. Permanent Tooth Root Canals (Pulpectomy)
Many dental offices use the phrase “baby root canal” to describe nerve treatment on a tooth. This is a common misnomer.
A primary tooth is rarely treated with a root canal, which is a procedure called a pulpectomy. A pulpectomy removes damaged or infected nerve tissue from the nerve chamber and the root(s). There are few pediatric specialists who perform this procedure on primary teeth.
The most common nerve treatment on a primary tooth is a pulpotomy. A pulpotomy removes damaged nerve tissue from the nerve chamber only, and not the roots. Pediatric specialists frequently perform this procedure on primary teeth.
Healthy Habits for a Healthy Smile
Establishing good oral hygiene habits from a young age sets the foundation for healthy teeth and gums. Here are some practical tips to encourage strong dental habits at home:
- Make brushing fun: Let children choose their toothbrush and use a kid-friendly toothpaste. Turn brushing into a game or play a favorite song to ensure they brush for the full two minutes. Check out our toothbrush timer and brushing and flossing chart!
- Focus on a balanced diet: Encourage healthy eating by offering fruits and vegetables. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water and limit sugary treats and drinks that can lead to cavities.
- Create a routine: Make brushing and flossing part of the daily routine, morning and night, so it becomes a lifelong habit.
- Lead by example: Show the importance of dental care by brushing and flossing together as a family.
- Stay consistent with dental visits: Regular checkups catch small problems early and help children feel comfortable with going to the dentist.
By teaching these habits early, you can help ensure strong teeth, healthy gums, and a bright smile for years to come.
Protect Your Child’s Oral Health with Expert Care
Primary tooth nerve treatment plays an important role in preserving baby teeth and maintaining oral health. By addressing decay early, we can relieve discomfort, save natural teeth, and support healthy oral development.
Our team at Akoya Pediatric Dentistry is dedicated to providing gentle, effective care that meets every child’s unique needs.
Book an Appointment
Schedule a Visit Today!
Akoya Pediatric Dentistry is always accepting new patients! We are conveniently located in the Coquina Plaza just off Sheridan Street in Southwest Ranches, FL.
We are proud to serve families in our community and help children maintain healthy, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Southwest Ranches, FL, call (954) 799-6212. Akoya Pediatric Dentistry proudly serves patients from Broward County, including Southwest Ranches, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Weston, Miramar, Cooper City and Plantation.
FAQs About Baby Root Canals
Is it worth doing a root canal on a baby tooth?
Yes, preserving a baby tooth through a pulpotomy can prevent early tooth loss, which helps maintain space for permanent teeth and supports proper chewing and speech development.
How long does it take for a child to recover from a pulpotomy (baby root canal)?
Most children recover quickly, usually within a day or two. Mild soreness or sensitivity may occur but can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief as recommended by the dentist.
What is the youngest age for a root canal?
Root canals are not performed on primary (baby) teeth. Instead, a procedure called a pulpotomy is performed. This procedure can be performed at any age, it is more dependent on the child’s ability to cooperate for treatment, which usually is around age 5.
What is the difference between a baby root canal and an adult root canal?
A baby root canal removes only the damaged pulp tissue in the upper part of the tooth, preserving healthy tissue in the roots. In contrast, an adult root canal removes all the pulp tissue and treats the entire root canal system.
