Baby Root Canal treatment involves the pulp of a tooth. The pulp contains the tooth’s nerve. It also contains blood vessels that give the tooth oxygen and nutrients. When the pulp is injured or infected, endodontic treatment is often done to try to save the tooth.
Why is it important to save baby teeth?
Baby teeth are important for chewing and speaking. They also hold spaces for the permanent teeth that replace them. If your child loses a baby tooth too soon, neighboring teeth can move into the empty space. This could block the permanent tooth from coming in, or cause it to grow in tilted.
What endodontic treatment can be done on baby teeth?
There are two kinds of endodontic treatment done on baby teeth (Primary Teeth):
Vital pulp therapy, also known as pulpotomy – This is used when the top part of the pulp is affected by decay or injured by trauma, but the root part is still healthy. The dentist removes the decay and the infected or injured pulp. The healthy pulp in the roots is left alone. The inside of the tooth is filled with a protective material. The tooth is covered with a crown.
Non-vital pulp therapy, also known as root canal treatment or pulpectomy – This is done when the pulp is too damaged to be saved. The dentist removes all of the pulp from inside the tooth. He or she cleans the inside of the tooth and fills it with a special material. A crown is placed on the tooth to protect it.