Baby Root Canals
Gentle, effective care to protect growing smiles.
Kid-Focused Dentistry
When a baby tooth becomes severely decayed or infected, your child may experience pain or sensitivity that can impact eating, sleeping, and overall comfort. At Farm Park Pediatric Dentistry, we provide gentle, precise baby root canal treatments (also called pulp therapy) to relieve discomfort, save the affected tooth, and protect your child’s developing oral health.
We listen. We care. We work together to restore comfort and confidence to every child’s smile.
Why a Baby Root Canal May Be Needed
Inside every tooth is soft pulp tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels. When decay, injury, or infection reaches this inner layer, it can cause severe tooth pain and swelling. If left untreated, the infected pulp can spread and damage surrounding teeth or gums.
Because baby teeth play a crucial role in chewing, speaking, and guiding permanent teeth into place, preserving them whenever possible is important for your child’s long-term dental health. A baby root canal allows our pediatric dentist to remove the infection while keeping the natural tooth structure intact.
What Happens During Treatment
A baby root canal is very different from an adult root canal. For children, the procedure focuses on comfort and minimal intervention. Depending on how much of the pulp tissue is affected, your child may need one of two gentle treatment options:
- Pulpotomy: Removes the infected portion of the pulp chamber while leaving the healthy root tissue intact.
- Pulpectomy: Cleans and fills the entire root when the infection has spread deeper into the tooth.
Both procedures are completed in our East Norriton dental office using local anesthesia and, when needed, sedation options like nitrous oxide (laughing gas). These techniques ensure your child remains relaxed and comfortable from start to finish.
Comfort and Compassion Every Step of the Way
The phrase “root canal” can sound intimidating, but in pediatric care, it’s a quick and effective procedure that removes infection and relieves pain without stress or fear. Dr. Okoh takes time to explain each step in calm, easy-to-understand language, so both parents and children feel confident in the process.
After treatment, your child may receive a dental crown to protect the treated tooth and prevent premature tooth loss. This helps maintain spacing for the permanent teeth and supports proper jaw development and orthodontic alignment later on.
Our approach centers on compassionate care, clear communication, and attention to each child’s comfort level.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Addressing extensive decay or infected pulp tissue early prevents further infection and protects surrounding primary teeth. It also safeguards your child’s overall health by stopping bacteria from spreading through the bloodstream. With routine dental checkups and good oral hygiene, most children recover quickly and continue developing strong, healthy smiles.
Prompt pulp therapy can also prevent orthodontic treatment later by keeping teeth in their natural positions and avoiding misalignment of permanent teeth caused by early loss.
If your child has a persistent toothache, swelling, or sensitivity, our team can help. We’ll evaluate the infected pulp, explain all treatment options, and ensure your child receives safe, comforting care.
Contact us or call 484-531-7620 to schedule an appointment!
We offer early morning, evening, and Saturday appointments.