Root canal therapy (RCT) plays an important role in salvaging teeth badly damaged by decay or trauma, and while it’s tempting to think of RCT as primarily a treatment for adults, plenty of kids benefit from root canals, too. As with kids, the key to successful treatment depends on an understanding of when RCT is the best and most appropriate choice.
The team at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC is skilled in the most advanced, state-of-the-art root canal techniques, helping patients of all ages reap the benefits of customized oral healthcare. Here, learn when RCT is recommended for kids, along with the benefits of therapy.
RCT is designed to remove damaged or infected pulp material located at the center of a tooth. The pulp contains blood vessels and nerves that keep the tooth healthy and provide sensations in the tooth and surrounding area.
While a filling can treat more superficial decay and damage, root canal therapy is specifically designed to eliminate damaged pulp while preventing future tooth loss. As it turns out, kids need root canals for many of the same reasons as adults.
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among kids, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, and about half of all kids have at least one untreated cavity. When care is delayed, decay reaches the deeper pulp portion of the tooth, requiring RCT to prevent tooth loss and additional oral health problems.
Tooth cracks and other types of traumatic damage can expose the tooth pulp to germs that cause decay. In these instances, RCT protects a weakened tooth from further damage while avoiding deep decay.
When left untreated, tooth decay can cause serious infections called abscesses, particularly around the tooth root or in the tissues supporting the tooth. These infections require immediate treatment to prevent serious complications.
Deep tooth decay and pulp trauma can cause a lot of pain and increased tooth sensitivity. Certainly one major benefit of RCT for kids is to relieve those symptoms so your child can focus on their schoolwork and social activities.
But beyond pain relief, RCT helps preserve your child’s natural bite balance and their oral health by preventing tooth loss. Your child’s bite pattern and the positions of their teeth have a major bearing on their ability to eat properly (for optimal nutrition) and even speak.
When a tooth is missing, it also disrupts the alignment of the remaining teeth, leading to an increased need for orthodontics or partial dentures. Losing a permanent tooth can be a traumatic experience regardless of age, but it can be especially devastating for children.
Finally, RCT helps prevent future oral health problems by eliminating decay and infection that could spread to other teeth or even into your child’s jawbone. When germs associated with tooth decay enter your child’s bloodstream, they can spread throughout the body and lead to other serious health problems.
Root canal therapy can be just as important for kids as for adults, preserving their natural teeth and preventing more serious oral health problems in the future. To learn more about RCT and whether it’s the right choice for your child, call 929-229-0255 or book an appointment online at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC in New York City today.
