Does your child complain of pain in a tooth when there is no apparent cause? Is there a tooth that is very sensitive to hot or cold liquids and foods? Is there a tooth in your child’s mouth that is broken, exposing the pulp? If your child is experiencing these symptoms, you should see an endodontist immediately, because your child may need root canal treatment.

Endodontic therapy is about the pulp of a tooth. The pulp contains the nerves of the tooth, along with the blood vessels that supply the tooth with nutrients and oxygen. When the pulp becomes infected or is injured, a root canal treatment can be done to try to save the tooth.

Root canal therapy can be performed on permanent (adult) or primary (baby) teeth. Even though your child will eventually lose his or her baby teeth, it is usually recommended that the tooth be treated unless the tooth is about to fall out naturally anyway. Primary teeth hold the space for the erupting permanent teeth, providing them a pathway for eruption. If a baby tooth comes out too soon, the surrounding teeth will begin to move into the empty space, blocking the adult tooth from growing in, or causing it to come in at an angle.

If the pulp of your child’s tooth is too damaged to save, a root canal treatment will be performed. The endodontist removes all of the pulp from inside the affected tooth, cleaning out the inside of the tooth completely, and filling and sealing it with a special material. This special material is absorbed by the body when the primary tooth begins to fall out naturally. A crown is placed on top of the tooth to protect and preserve it. Typically, these crowns are made of stainless steel; however, if the tooth is in the front of the mouth, a more natural-looking material can be used.

Don’t ignore your child’s symptoms. Tooth problems can be very painful, and will only worsen over time. See your dental professional immediately to begin addressing the cause. You won’t regret taking this important step toward maintaining your child’s oral health.