When your child has a cavity too severe for a filling, or if an infection has developed, then a root canal alternative could be the right choice. In today’s blog, your Shirley, NY, pediatric dentist and orthodontist talks how our pulpotomy procedure can save a child’s tooth and bring instant relief.
The Causes of a Dental Infection
How does a child develop an infected tooth? This could be caused by an untreated cavity, or even damage to a tooth. An infected tooth means that harmful oral bacteria has come into contact with the pulp, the nerve center of your tooth. When this occurs, serious discomfort could develop. When your child reports a toothache or tooth sensitivity, don’t delay, let us know as soon as possible. In addition, we urge you to bring your children in for checkups and cleanings every six months. These visits enable us to keep a close eye on the smile and address issues like tooth decay early, before they cause pain and infection!
Symptoms and Possible Risks
Warning signs could include tooth sensitivity when your kids eat or drink, or a toothache that doesn’t subside. Pain when biting down or eating is often reported, as are headaches and jaw pain. Facial aches could occur too, and the area around the tooth could swell. A discharge from the tooth is possible as well. Lack of treatment means the pulp could die, effectively killing the tooth. Now, infection could spread to the teeth or even the jawbone, adding worsening pain and the risk of further tooth loss.
The Pulpotomy
First, we will talk to you and your child about symptoms, and about oral health routines. We then examine the tooth in question with detailed digital x-rays and intraoral cameras. We identify the position and severity of the infection, and may recommend a pulpotomy. This is a conservative alternative to the root canal, one recommended for children.
To begin, we will administer a local numbing agent and sedation to ensure your child is comfortable as we open the tooth and remove portions of the inner tissues. We then add a medicated filling material. For some, we may also cap the tooth with a dental crown. When possible, we can use lifelike materials like ceramic, while rear teeth that absorb greater bite forces may receive stainless steel models.
If you have any questions about treating infected teeth and bringing relief to little smiles, then contact our team today.
Talk to Your Shirley, NY, Orthodontist and Pediatric Dentist!
Our team wants to help treat infected teeth and bring relief from serious discomfort. To learn more about addressing serious oral health issues in little smiles, then contact Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in Shirley, NY, by calling (631) 399-1600.
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