When your child starts complaining of a toothache, you might think that the only way to solve the problem is by extracting the damaged tooth. In some cases, that is the best option. But did you know that kids can undergo a treatment that is very similar to a root canal? Pulp therapy can save damaged baby teeth and allow them to stay in the mouth until they are ready to fall out naturally. What is pulp therapy, and why is it often a better option than an extraction? This blog post explains.
The Importance of Saving Baby Teeth
Since baby teeth are designed to fall out on their own, some parents mistakenly believe that it does not matter if they are extracted early. However, early removal of these teeth can lead to unpleasant consequences. For example:
- Nearby teeth may drift out of place, interfering with the development and eruption of incoming adult teeth.
- Your child’s teeth may become misaligned.
- Your child may experience difficulties with eating or speech.
Preserving baby teeth until they are naturally ready to fall out can help to avoid such issues and promote normal oral development.
How Does Pulp Therapy Work?
When a baby tooth has a large cavity or gets infected, your child’s dentist might recommend pulp therapy as the best treatment. Pulp therapy can describe a couple of different specific procedures:
- During a pulpotomy, the dentist carefully accesses the tooth’s interior and cleans out infected tissue from an area known as the pulp chamber, which houses nerves and connective tissues. The pulp chamber is located at the center of the tooth’s crown (the part that is normally visible above the gumline).
- During a pulpectomy, the dentist cleans out the pulp chamber, the root canals, and the roots of the infected tooth. This is a more extensive procedure than a pulpotomy.
After each of these procedures, the treated tooth is filled with an inert material to help it maintain its shape. A crown may also be necessary to strengthen the tooth and restore its function.
While pulp therapy might seem a bit intimidating, you can be sure that dentists take great care to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Not only do they want young patients to enjoy great oral health, but they also want them to establish a positive view of dental care that lasts into adulthood.
Saving baby teeth is important! Talk to your child’s dentist to learn more about how an infected or decayed tooth can be treated.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Layne Benzley of Castle Rock Smiles has more than 15 years of experience in dentistry. He and our team enjoy treating young patients and helping them to enjoy excellent oral health. Pulp therapy is just one of the services we offer. We can also provide sedation to make the treatment experience as easy as possible. To learn more about how we may be able to serve your family, get in touch with us at 303-660-5373.
