Signs your child may need a root canal
- A toothache that keeps coming back or wakes your child at night
- Pain or sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- A chipped or cracked tooth where the nerve is exposed
- Swelling or a pimple-like bump on the gum near a tooth
Why save a baby tooth with nerve treatment?
Pulling a baby tooth too early can let neighboring teeth drift into the gap, which can block the adult tooth and lead to crowding and orthodontic problems. Baby teeth also help with chewing and clear speech. Saving the tooth with nerve treatment is often better for your child's long-term development than removing it.
Pulpotomy and pulpectomy — the two types of children's root canal
A pulpotomy removes only the infected nerve tissue in the crown of the tooth and is the most common nerve treatment for baby teeth. A pulpectomy removes nerve tissue from the roots as well, when the infection has spread further. Both are finished with a crown so the tooth stays strong.
What to expect at your visit
- 01X-ray and diagnosisA digital x-ray shows how deep the decay goes and which treatment is needed.
- 02Numbing and comfortLocal anesthetic, with laughing gas or sedation if needed.
- 03Nerve treatmentThe infected nerve tissue is removed and the tooth is cleaned and medicated.
- 04Crown placementA crown seals and protects the tooth, usually in the same visit.
Why parents choose our root canal pediatric dentist in Stonecrest
- Insurance checked before you arriveWe accept all major PPO plans and verify your benefits in advance, so you know your cost up front. No hidden fees.
- 7 AM appointmentsEarly visits Monday–Friday, plus Saturdays by appointment — easier to fit around school and work.
- Sedation options onsiteLaughing gas, oral sedation and general anesthesia (onsite or hospital) for anxious or young children.
- Everything under one roofCheckups, fillings, crowns, nerve treatment, early orthodontics and emergencies at one Stonecrest office.
- Low-radiation digital x-raysUp to 90% less radiation than film, taken only when they're needed.
- Special needs experienceTraining beyond dental school in caring for children with special healthcare needs.
Root Canal Therapy for Children in Stonecrest: questions parents ask
Does a root canal hurt for kids?
The tooth is numbed first, so children typically feel pressure rather than pain. Most feel relief afterward because the source of the toothache is gone.
Why not just pull the baby tooth?
Losing a baby tooth too early can let nearby teeth shift and crowd the adult tooth, which can lead to orthodontic problems. When the tooth can be saved, saving it is usually better.
How long does a children's root canal take?
Most pulpotomies, including the crown, are completed in a single visit.
What's the difference between a pulpotomy and a pulpectomy?
A pulpotomy removes infected nerve tissue only in the crown of the tooth. A pulpectomy also removes nerve tissue from the roots. Both are usually finished with a crown.
Reviewed by Dr. Debbie Granger· Last updated
