Nerve Treatment
If your child has tooth discomfort, you should not take it lightly. If there is tooth decay and has reached the nerve of the tooth, nerve treatment may be required. When the tooth is abscessed, complete nerve treatment may be required. The procedure is also known as pediatric root canal, pulpotomy, or “baby root canal.” Tooth discomfort is the most common indicator; it can also be related to many other conditions. At Rockstar Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Stella will conduct a thorough examination before determining the right treatment for your child’s dental problem.
When is Nerve Treatment Required?
Baby teeth tend to have larger nerve chambers compared to adult teeth. Besides, they are smaller. This means that any tooth decay that is untreated or undiagnosed can impact the nerve more quickly in baby teeth. Infection or abscess in the infected area is most likely to damage the pulp of the tooth. If your child experiences the following symptoms, you should immediately fix an appointment with our office:
- Unexplained tooth discomfort
- Regular throbbing
- Facial swelling
- The appearance of a pimple on the gums
- Tooth grey discoloration
Many times children have a dental cavity in their primary tooth that is left untreated. Once the infection reaches the nerve, there can be continual discomfort. We will assess the tooth to determine the root cause and whether there is a need for Nerve Treatment in Washington, DC. Deep cavities or dental caries can often reach the nerves and are among the most common reasons why this treatment is required.
What is Involved in Nerve Treatment?
When performing Nerve Treatment in Washington, DC, Dr. Stella will remove the infected pulp tissue. She will conduct a thorough assessment before determining which type of treatment is required. This includes:
Pulpotomy
- The diseased pulp tissue in the crown part of the tooth is removed
- An agent is placed to calm the nerve tissue and prevent bacterial growth
- A crown may be placed to support the tooth structure
Pulpectomy
- The entire pulp from the crown and root is removed
- We will clean and disinfect the canals
- The primary teeth get filled with a resorbable material
- A crown is placed
- An adult tooth will be filled with a non-absorbing material
After the procedure, your child may experience slight discomfort. It is recommended to maintain proper dental care to prevent any further need for nerve treatment.
Dr. Stella is a board-certified pediatric dentist in Washington, DC, with specialty training in the areas of pediatric dentistry and dental public health. She is also a Fellow of the AAPD. She is considered one of the top pediatric dentists and has developed the art of making anxious children feel relaxed during dental examinations and procedures. We recommend that you should have your child visit the dentist twice a year. When the infection is caught in time, Nerve Treatment in Washington, DC, can be more effective in saving the tooth.