When your little one has a cavity, we may offer treatment with a filling. But should the decay remain untreated and an infection develop, we may need an endodontic treatment. Your Round Rock, TX, pediatric dentist offers a conservative approach to root canal therapy with a pulpotomy procedure.

The Dangers of an Infected Tooth

An infection means that the pulp, a tooth’s nerve center, has come into contact with harmful bacteria. This leads to serious pain when your child eats, as well as swelling, toothaches, and a discharge from the tooth. Without treatment, this grows worse and the tooth itself could become lost. Premature tooth loss in childhood could then lead to misalignment. An infection could occur due to an untreated cavity, or a severe injury to the tooth. When your child reports in when eating or a toothache that doesn’t go away, let us know as soon as possible!

The Pulpotomy Procedure

Like a root canal, this involves removing infected tissue. But unlike a root canal, we don’t remove all of the tissue from the tooth. After we numb the area and if necessary, provide dental sedation, your child remains comfortable and calm as we open the tooth to remove only the infected portions. We then add a medicated filling to treat the area. The last step involves capping the tooth with a dental crown. For more front facing teeth, we may use ceramic for a lifelike appearance. Side and rear teeth may benefit from metal, or possibly a lifelike zirconia. This will protect the tooth, preserve bite balance, and prevent misalignment from developing.

Reducing the Risk of Infection

How do you help your children avoid the onset of an infection? First, if they play sports or martial arts, be sure they wear a mouthguard to limit injury risk. Try to help them cut back on sugar and starch in their meals and drinks, as this promotes plaque and tooth decay. Your children also need to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and also floss every evening. Finally, make an appointment for a checkup and cleaning every six months, so we can catch decay in the earliest stages, and help your children avoid them with routine dental cleanings. If you have any questions about how to help kids enjoy healthy smiles, or treat an infected tooth, then contact our team today. We want to help kids of all ages enjoy strong and healthy smiles!

Talk To Your Round Rock, TX Dentist About Root Canal Treatment

We would like to offer treatment to protect your child’s smile. If you would like to find out about our solutions for severe decay or infection, contact your Round Rock, TX, dentist, Dr. Thames, by calling 512-733-5311.