Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 5 minutes
Your dentist just told you that your child needs a pediatric root canal.
Your first thought might have been “Why? Isn’t that tooth just going to fall out anyway?”
The truth is that pediatric root canals are common, safe, and incredibly helpful. In fact, they are one of the best ways to keep your child’s primary teeth healthy and pave the way for a strong set of permanent teeth.
In this blog, we’ll break down pediatric root canals—what they are, why they matter, and what you can expect.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Your child may need a root canal to treat an infected or severely decayed tooth, ensuring it remains healthy and functional until it naturally falls out. With proper care, the full recovery time is typically about one week. However, they usually return to their normal, energetic selves within a day or two.
What is a Pediatric Root Canal?
A pediatric root canal is a dental procedure that treats an infected or decayed primary tooth, also called a baby tooth.
When your child’s primary tooth develops an infection in the soft tissue or pulp, a root canal can stop the infection from spreading.
The treatment targets the diseased pulp and removes harmful bacteria, blood vessels, and infected tissues inside the tooth while preserving the tooth structure and tooth roots.
A root canal prevents the need for a tooth extraction. You want to keep your child’s primary tooth healthy until it is naturally lost.
Baby teeth play a big role in speech development, chewing, and ensuring the adult teeth erupt in the correct position.
Reasons for a Pediatric Root Canal
If your child has a damaged or decayed tooth that is causing pain, a root canal will help preserve the tooth.
Look out for these signs:
- Persistent tooth pain or sensitivity, especially with hot or cold food.
- Swelling in the gums near the tooth.
- Discoloration or darkening of the tooth.
- Difficulty eating due to pain in a specific area.
These symptoms often signal infection or damage to the pulp chamber, which could lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
The Pediatric Root Canal Procedure
A root canal for kids is a straightforward procedure.
- Assessment and X-rays: The dentist first examines your child’s tooth and may use digital dental X-rays to confirm the infection or decay.
- Numbing and preparation: A local anesthetic is applied to numb the area, ensuring your child feels no pain during the treatment.
- Pulp removal: The dentist carefully removes the infected pulp tissue from the pulp chamber.
- Cleaning and sealing: The inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned to eliminate all bacteria, then sealed to prevent future infection.
- Crown placement: In many cases, a dental crown is placed on the treated tooth to protect it and restore its function and appearance.
| 💡 Did you know? Once the pulp is removed, the tooth no longer feels pain! The pulp contains the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels, so without it, the tooth is free of sensitivity. Any mild soreness after the procedure is from surrounding gum tissue. |
What to Expect After the Procedure
After the root canal procedure, some mild discomfort is normal. Here is how you can help your child recover:
- Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain medication may be recommended to manage minor discomfort. Always follow the instructions and never give them more than the recommended amount.
- Diet: Soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and applesauce are ideal for the first couple of days. Cold food can help soothe any soreness.
- Oral hygiene: Continue with good oral hygiene habits, brushing and flossing gently around the treated area.
- Follow-up appointments: Schedule a follow-up visit to ensure the treated tooth is healing correctly and remains infection-free.
Recovery Timeline
First 24 hours
- Some mild soreness or sensitivity in the treated tooth.
- Stick to soft foods to avoid putting pressure on the tooth.
- Use over-the-counter pain medication if recommended by your dentist to relieve any discomfort.
2-3 days after treatment
- Sensitivity should start to fade, and your child can slowly return to their regular diet, avoiding very crunchy or sticky foods.
- Continue with gentle oral hygiene practices, brushing and flossing carefully around the treated area.
1 week after treatment
- By this point, most children feel completely comfortable, with little to no residual sensitivity.
When to Call a Dentist
Mild pain is common, but any severe or prolonged discomfort is a sign to call your dentist.
- Watch for signs of infection: Persistent pain, swelling, or fever can indicate infection.
- Monitor eating and drinking: If your child avoids eating on the treated side for more than a few days, it may be worth consulting the dentist.
FAQs about Pediatric Root Canals
Is it normal for kids to get root canals?
Yes, it is entirely normal for children to need root canals, especially if they have severe decay or trauma to a primary tooth (baby tooth).
What is the youngest age to get a root canal?
There is no strict minimum age for a root canal, as it depends on each child’s dental health and needs. Typically, children between the ages of 2 and 12 may need this treatment.
Do kids get put to sleep for root canals?
Sedation options are available and will be discussed at the consultation. Sedation is not always needed, but if your child is young or very anxious, they may benefit from using it.
Protect Tiny Teeth with Expert Care – Schedule a Consultation Today
With four convenient locations in Denver, Aurora, Hampden, and Thornton, our kids dentists are here to provide the care your child deserves. As a dentist who accepts Medicaid, we make it easier for families to access quality dental care.
Whether it is a routine check-up or a root canal treatment, we are ready to support your child’s healthiest smile. Call us today to schedule an appointment at the location nearest you!
To book an appointment at our dental office, call (303) 953-8801 or complete the online inquiry form!
