3 Signs Your Child Needs a Baby Root Canal

Thinking about a baby root canal might make you nervous for your child. This restorative procedure can help save your child’s tooth. If the pulp of the tooth is damaged or infected, this procedure can help your child. Keep reading to learn three signs that a root canal is needed.

1. Signs the child may notice

One of the more common signs that a root canal is needed is excessive pain. This can be a dull ache or intense. It can also seem to be throbbing. Sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures is another sign that something is wrong.

If there is an infection, there may be tenderness or swelling in the gums. In extreme cases, there might be swelling in the child’s neck or face. Often, there will be swelling at the base of the tooth. Other signs of an infection can include fever, swollen lymph nodes and general discomfort.

Because each case is different, not every child will have the same symptoms. Some children might not have many symptoms at all. That is why the parent should tell the dentist anything unusual. That way, the dentist can see if any additional tests are needed.

2. Symptoms the dentist might notice

The child should already be visiting the dentist every six months. Regular dental visits can help the teeth stay healthy. The dentist can also notice early symptoms. There are many signs that the child might need to have a root canal. These can include:

• Changes in the soft tissue
• Dark tooth color
• Drainage, from an infection
• Asymmetry

3. Tests that look for infection

If the dentist suspects that the child needs a baby root canal, the dentist can recommend extra tests. This might include percussion testing. The dentist will use a dental tool to tap the tooth. If the tooth is infected, it will be painful.

Another common method is through an X-ray of all the teeth. This is not a painful procedure for the child. The dentist can then see if there are any underlying infections. One sign that a root canal is needed is radiolucency.

This means that there will be a dark spot near the infected tooth’s root. When this sign is present, it means that there have been changes to the bone around the tooth. This is a response to the infection inside the tooth. The infection is leaking out of the root of the tooth.

A thermal test might be used. This is when the teeth are exposed to hot and cold. Healthy teeth will no longer hurt after 30 seconds. However, an infected tooth will still hurt.

Visit a dentist for a baby root canal

If you do not have an infection treated, your child might have dental abscesses and extreme pain. In some cases, the condition can be life-threatening. However, treating and identifying this issue early can prevent negative effects. If you think your child needs a baby root canal, get a dental appointment quickly.

Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.

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