Recently, we discussed how fillings and crowns help protect children’s smiles from cavities progressing into infection. However, what happens once a tooth becomes infected? For children, your Round Rock, TX, dentist offers an alternative to root canal therapy with a procedure known as a pulpotomy. When should a child see us for such a treatment?

The Causes of an Infected Tooth

A cavity means that the outer enamel, the hardest substance in the human body, has weakened due to poor oral hygiene and enabled bacteria to reach the dentin underneath. However, once the decay grows and reaches the inner pulp, your tooth’s nerve center, the tooth could begin to feel sensitive and ache. Soon, an infection could arise. Unless treated, the infection could eventually cause the tooth to essentially die, at which point it could become lost or require extraction to protect the rest of the smile.

Dangers of Losing Teeth Too Early

When a baby tooth falls out prematurely, this changes how the permanent teeth erupt and increases the risk of issues like dental misalignment, which could mean the need for orthodontic treatment in the teen years. The spread of infection is also possible, and children could experience serious discomfort when they eat, or a persistent toothache or swelling near the tooth too. If your child complains about pain, please let us know right away. Also consider scheduling checkup and cleaning visits every six months, so we can identify areas of concern before your child ever experiences discomfort!

The Pulpotomy

But how do we treat an infected tooth? We offer a restorative treatment known as a pulpotomy, a more conservative alternative to root canal therapy. We administer a local anesthetic and possibly sedation to ensure your little one remains calm and comfortable. We then open the tooth to remove the infected portions of the tissue. We provide a medicated filling to protect the remaining tissues and fill the exposed portions. Next, we cap the tooth with a custom-made crown. The process means your child continues to smile with confidence, and enjoys a healthy tooth again. If you have any questions about how we approach severe tooth decay or dental infection, or if you child complains about pain in a tooth, then let us know right away. We’re also ready to see your children for a checkup and cleaning visit too!

Pediatric Dentistry of Round Rock Preserves Little Smiles

Pediatric Dentistry of Round Rock offers restorative care to help protect and preserve smiles in toddlers, kids, and teens. You can make an appointment to help protect your child’s smile by contacting the Pediatric Dentistry of Round Rock in Round Rock, TX at 512-733-5311. With a preventive approach to children’s dentistry, we can help your children enjoy their best smiles.