The purpose of root canal treatment is to preserve the tooth while eliminating an infection. A root canal infection occurs when decay enters the inner chamber of a tooth. Without treatment, the tooth will not be able to receive vital nutrients and may need to be extracted. If a tooth is extracted, it is important that the tooth is replaced, preferably with a dental implant supported restoration, to restore the tooth from root to crown. If it is a baby tooth that needs to be extracted, a space maintainer may be needed until the adult tooth erupts. For root canals, our team uses advanced dental techniques that are designed to improve the success rate of the procedure while cutting down discomfort. With proper aftercare, your child can preserve their natural tooth for years to come.
The nerve root canal system of a tooth is shaped like a tree, with the nerves spreading out like tree branches. It is only possible to clean the trunk of the root canal system and not the branches themselves. This results in a 90-95% success rate as a nationwide average. When addressing a root canal infection, we always keep comfort in mind. Root canal infections are often painful, which is why prompt treatment at our pediatric dental practice is often necessary. When cleaning and disinfecting a tooth during root canal treatment, we use a biological technique that helps eliminate bacteria. Following the surgery, we use a special sealant to secure the tooth. All of the techniques we use deliver the highest success rate possible to prevent potentially painful complications.
According to the Dental Association, nearly 70% of all patients report pain as a top concern following root canal treatment. Following the procedure, your child may experience mild discomfort and sensitivity as the local anesthetic wears off. This period of discomfort should subside within a few days.
Keep in mind that any pain should be manageable using over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. We do recommend appropriate pain medications while ensuring that the medications do not interact with any prescriptions or supplements your child may already be taking. In the first day or two following a root canal procedure, your child should avoid chewing hard foods as this can aggravate their recovering tooth.
Many children, and adults, have reduced discomfort following root canal treatment by following these tips:
By working with our dental practice, you can increase your child's chances of saving their natural tooth. We use the latest techniques to improve the root canal treatment success rate.
Our goal is to provide ways to save your child's natural teeth with the highest possible success rate. The loss of a tooth can be psychologically devastating and the alternatives to replacement can be even more expensive than a root canal itself. If not replaced, the loss of a tooth can have dire consequences, especially if the loss is an adult tooth. Such losses include bone loss, teeth movement, collapsing bite, and cosmetic concerns. If your child is experiencing tooth pain, contact us to schedule a consultation. We can help determine if root canal treatment is right for your child.
Making kids smile, one tooth at a time
We look forward to seeing you and your child soon! Please note, we will do our best to accommodate your schedule. You can reach us on (650) 289-9200 or complete the form below.
We ask that you arrive to your appointment 15-minutes early.
Regarding insurance, we accept most PPO insurances and do not accept HMO or Medicaid. We are only in-network with Delta Dental Premier. As a courtesy to all of our patients, we take care of the claim filing and processing.
Thank you so much for contacting our pediatric dental practice. While we strive to respond to all inquiries right away, we may be away from the desk helping a patient or out of the office. We will do our best to reach out to you shortly.
Please note, if this is a dental emergency, it would be best to call our practice as this is the fastest way to reach us (650) 289-9200.
We understand that trying to find a nearby pediatric dentist you can trust is difficult, that is why we make it easy for you to work with us.
(650) 289-9200
4149 El Camino Way, Suite B, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
help@youngteeth.com
All Rights Reserved | Christian K. Lee, DDS, MS
All Rights Reserved | Christian K. Lee, DDS, MS
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