If your child is experiencing a sudden and severe toothache, it could be due to an infection of their tooth. This can happen if a cavity has been left untreated for a long period. While fillings can help treat decay in mild cases, more serious situations such as these may require a pulpotomy. Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatrics in NY are here to explain what this is and when it may be necessary.
Signs Of An Infected Tooth
Symptoms such as sensitivity to the area or discoloration may show that your little one has a cavity. However, if your child has a severe ache, fever, swelling, and persistent bad breath, it may be an indication of an infection. These symptoms can occasionally overlap, so it is important to take your young one to the dentist as soon as possible if these problems persist.
Is It Too Late For A Filling?
At their twice-yearly appointment, the dentist will examine their smile for signs of decay. When caught before a cavity has fully formed, decay can be reversed with fluoride treatments. If any is noticed, they will likely recommend that the area be restored with a filling. While this does not have to be scheduled immediately, you should not put it off for too long. Prolonging treatment can cause the decay to worsen and can cause a toothache. When a cavity is filled, the damaged part of the tooth is removed, and composite resin will be added to the space left behind. If the decay is more severe, a pulpotomy may be required.
During The Pulpotomy
If an adult has a severely decayed tooth, a root canal treatment may be used to remove the damaged tissue and restore the area. For children, a pulpotomy may be performed. Instead of removing all of the harmed tissue from the root of the tooth, only the tissue from the crown is removed. The crown is the visible part of your dental structure. This procedure is less invasive than a root canal treatment.
For your child’s comfort, the area will be numbed before starting the treatment. Then, the decayed tissue in the crown will be taken out. After it is cleaned, it will be filled with composite resin. This helps protect the area from potential harm in the future and allows you to chew and speak without discomfort. After the pulpotomy, it is important to practice improved oral hygiene so that this restoration is not needed in the future. It may take a few days to recover from this procedure. In the meantime, your child should eat softer foods and gently clean the area.
Schedule This Appointment Today
A pulpotomy may be able to save your child’s tooth after severe decay. Contact the Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatrics office in NY today at 631.399.1600 to find out if this is right for your child.
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