When a cavity remains untreated, or a tooth is severely damaged, this could cause an infection to develop. Without treatment, this could lead to the premature loss of a tooth. Fortunately, your Shirley, NY, pediatric dentist and orthodontist could offer treatment for an infected tooth with a root canal alternative known as a pulpotomy.
The Warning Signs of a Dental Infection
Your child could experience sensitivity when eating or speaking, or could have a persistent toothache that grows worse with time. When your little one experiences pain, then contact our team for an exam and diagnosis. Dental infections can occur when cavities form and remain untreated. A cavity could develop when plaque buildup brought on by poor oral hygiene weakens the outer enamel, or when teeth grinding or injury compromise the outer enamel too. The cavity forms when bacteria reach the dentin, and becomes an infection when it spreads to the pulp, the tooth’s nerve center. Without treatment, this could mean the loss of the tooth and poor oral health.
The Pulpotomy Process
If we discover an infection and there is still time to treat it, we will save the tooth with a pulpotomy. We start by offering a local anesthetic and sedation to help your child feel calm and relaxed. When this is down, we will open the tooth to remove the infected portions of the inner tissues. We then add a special medicated filling and finally, we cap the tooth with a dental crown. The crown could be stainless steel, or crafted from lifelike ceramic. Your child will be able to eat without pain and avoid discomfort. This also prevents tooth loss. Losing our teeth at any age could mean misalignment, jaw pain, and complications with how we eat and speak.
Taking Steps to Avoid Infected Teeth
You can also help your child (and yourself) avoid cavities and infections with better oral hygiene habits. People of all ages need to brush twice a day for about two minutes each time, and use a fluoride toothpaste each time too. People need to floss each evening as well, as this removes the trapped food particles a toothbrush cannot. Try to cut back on sugary foods and drinks as well! If you have any questions about how we treat infected teeth or if you would like to schedule a visit for you or your child, then contact our team today to learn more.
Make an Appointment with Your Shirley, NY, Orthodontist and Pediatric Dentist
Our team wants to restore the health, comfort, and function of your child’s smile. To learn more about treating your little one’s infected teeth and restoring your smile, then contact Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in Shirley, NY, by calling (631) 399-1600. We offer care for people of all ages, so you entire family can smile with confidence.
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