Root Canals
In the past, if you had a tooth where a cavity has infected the nerve, you would probably lose that tooth. Today, with a special dental procedure called root canal treatment, that tooth may be saved.
Inside each tooth is the pulp or nerve. When a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the pulp. Germs can cause an infection inside the tooth. Left without treatment, pus builds up in the jawbone, forming a "pus-pocket" called an abscess. An abscess can cause the pulp tissue to die. When the infected pulp is not removed, pain and swelling can result. Certain byproducts of the infection can injure your jawbones and your overall health. Without a root canal treatment, the tooth may have to be removed.
Most of the time, a partial root canal procedure is done on a baby tooth and is called a Pulpotomy. During treatment, your pediatric dentist removes the infected portion of the pulp and seals it with a medication that restores the rest of the nerve. Often, posterior teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown placed in order to strengthen the remaining tooth structure. Then, as long as you continue to care for your teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing, and regular continuing care checkups, your child’s tooth will fall out naturally at the appropriate age.
