Nerve Treatments
Serving Flower Mound, TX, and Surrounding Areas
Inside every tooth is a space called the pulp chamber, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. If a tooth's pulp is damaged due to injury or deep decay, your little one may need a nerve treatment, otherwise known as a baby root canal. Our team at Happy Pediatric Dental of Flower Mound will ensure your child is comfortable while receiving the best possible care.
Why Save a Damaged Baby Tooth?
Baby teeth will eventually fall out, so they don't matter. Right? Wrong! Maintaining healthy baby teeth will help your child have healthy adult teeth. Those tiny pearly whites hold the space the permanent teeth need and guide them to come in the correct position.
Untreated tooth pulp damage can lead to unnecessary pain and suffering. It may progress, leading to severe pain, an abscess, or even tooth loss. The premature loss of a baby tooth can impact speech development and interfere with chewing. It may also result in the neighboring teeth shifting toward the gap, leading to crooked or impacted adult teeth and the need for orthodontic treatment down the road.
What Are the Signs Your Child Needs a Baby Root Canal?
The first sign of tooth pulp tissue damage is usually spontaneous pain, especially at night. Other symptoms include sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, tooth discoloration, gum tenderness, and swelling of the face or jaw.
If your child experiences any of these symptoms, or if you have any concerns, contact Happy Pediatric Dental of Flower Mound to schedule a consultation. Dr. Harman will recommend the most conservative treatment option to alleviate your child's discomfort and save the affected tooth. If a baby root canal treatment is necessary, he will make sure your child feels safe and comfortable during treatment.
What Is the Baby Root Canal Procedure?
Your child will require a pulpotomy or pulpectomy, depending on the extent of the tooth pulp damage. In both cases, your child will need a pediatric dental crown after treatment to protect and restore the tooth's strength and function.
Pulpotomy: If the damage has not reached the tooth's root, we may recommend a pulpotomy. That involves removing the affected pulp and filling the space with a special medication. The procedure helps protect the remaining healthy pulp, soothes the roots, and prevents reinfection.
Pulpectomy: If the damage affects the entire pulp, including the root, a pulpectomy, similar to adult root canal therapy, may be required. That involves removing the pulp and nerve tissues, disinfecting the root canals, and placing an inert material that is absorbed when your child's baby tooth falls out.
How We Help Your Child Relax During Treatment
While baby root canals are quick and simple, we understand that they may be scary for children. Dr. Harman will explain the procedure in child-friendly terms and introduce the kid-sized dental tools. If your little one is highly anxious or has difficulty sitting still during treatment, he may recommend one of our sedation dentistry options. The goal is to ensure your child is comfortable and relaxed while receiving the best possible care.
Healthy Habits for Long-Term Healthy Smiles
The best way to prevent the need for nerve treatment is to maintain healthy teeth. Encourage daily brushing and flossing and limit the consumption of sugary foods and drinks. Don't forget to visit Happy Pediatric Dental of Flower Mound for your child's routine dental exams and cleanings. Our preventive care will help keep your little one's smile healthy and bright.
Pediatric Nerve Treatments Near Me in Flower Mound, TX
If you're looking for a pediatric dentistry practice offering gentle, kid-friendly care, we invite you to visit Happy Pediatric Dental of Flower Mound. Dr. Harman and his team will do everything they can to ensure your child is comfortable and happy while receiving the best possible care.
To learn more about repairing and saving damaged teeth with a nerve treatment, we invite you to call our office at 469-240-5128 or fill out our online form to request an appointment today. We look forward to caring for your child's smile!
Schedule Your Child's Appointment Today!
Follow the link to request an appointment that best fits your busy schedule. One of our friendly team members will get back to you to confirm your selection. We can’t wait to meet you and your child.