Root Canal Therapy

What is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy in Greater St. Louis is a dental procedure that treats the inside of a tooth to remove infection and save it from further damage. While many associate this treatment with adults, children can also require it, especially if they have severe decay or trauma to a tooth.

The procedure involves cleaning the infected pulp—the soft tissue inside a tooth containing blood vessels and nerves—and filling it to preserve the tooth structure. For baby teeth, we refer to this treatment as a pulpotomy. By addressing the issue early, root canal therapy ensures your child’s oral health is protected and helps them maintain their natural teeth, which play a crucial role in speech development, chewing, and guiding permanent teeth.

Signs Your Child May Need Root Canal Therapy

Determining if your child needs root canal therapy can be challenging, especially since young children may struggle to articulate dental discomfort. However, certain signs can indicate a problem requiring treatment:

Severe Tooth Pain: Persistent or sharp pain in a tooth, especially when chewing or biting, can be a red flag.
Sensitivity to Temperature: Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages may indicate an issue with the tooth’s pulp.
Swelling or Redness in the Gums: Gum swelling, redness, or tenderness near a specific tooth could signal an infection.
Tooth Discoloration: A tooth that appears darker than the others may have suffered internal damage.
Loose Teeth: Baby teeth naturally fall out, but if a tooth is unexpectedly loose due to trauma or infection, it may require attention.

If your child shows any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with us at Little Smiles of Washington immediately. Timely treatment is critical to alleviating discomfort and preventing further complications.

What to Expect During Root Canal Therapy

At Little Smiles of Washington, we aim to make every dental visit as comfortable as possible for you and your child. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what the root canal therapy process entails:

Consultation and Diagnosis: During your initial visit, our dentists will conduct a thorough examination and may take digital X-rays to determine the extent of damage or infection. This step allows us to pinpoint the issue and create a personalized treatment plan.
Preparation and Anesthesia: We use a local anesthetic to numb the affected area to ensure your child feels no discomfort. For particularly anxious children, we also offer sedation options to help them feel relaxed.
Cleaning the Tooth: Using specialized tools, the infected or damaged pulp inside the tooth is carefully removed. The tooth’s inner space is cleaned and disinfected to eliminate harmful bacteria and prevent infection.
Filling the Tooth: Once cleaned, the tooth is filled with a safe, biocompatible material to restore its structure. We may place a dental crown on the tooth for added protection and durability.

Post-Treatment Checkup: After completing the procedure, we’ll provide post-care guidelines and schedule follow-up visits to ensure your child’s tooth is healing properly.

Aftercare for a Smooth Recovery

Recovery from root canal therapy is usually quick and easy, especially for young patients. That said, here are some tips to ensure your child’s smooth recovery:

Stick to a Soft Diet: For the first few days, encourage your child to eat soft, easy-to-chew foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup.
Maintain Oral Hygiene: Ensure your child brushes their teeth gently and avoids the treated area for a day or two.
Manage Discomfort: While mild sensitivity is common after treatment, discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, as your dentist recommends.
Attend Follow-Up Visits: Regular checkups will allow your dentist to monitor the tooth’s health and address any concerns promptly.

It’s normal for young patients (and parents!) to feel nervous about treatment, but rest assured—at Little Smiles of Washington, we take every measure to ensure your child feels safe and supported before, during, and after their procedure.

A Pediatric Dental Clinic You Can Trust

Little Smiles of Washington provides comprehensive dental care for infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special needs in the St. Louis Metro area. With locations in Dardenne Prairie, Hazelwood, and Washington, MO, we strive to exceed your family’s expectations with outstanding service and a welcoming environment.

We emphasize preventive care and utilize advanced dental technology, like digital X-rays, to ensure safe and effective treatments. From TVs and streaming services to toys and goodie bags, we’ve created a space where young patients feel relaxed and cared for. Financing options like CareCredit make high-quality dental care accessible for all families.

When you choose Little Smiles of Washington, you’re choosing a team committed to fostering lifelong oral health for your child.