A baby root canal is a dental procedure that may sometimes be performed on a primary tooth, also referred to as a baby tooth. In some situations, a dentist may recommend a baby root canal instead of extracting, or pulling, the affected tooth. This procedure may be considered when a cavity has extended to the center portion of the tooth and the dentist believes that a root canal may be able to save the tooth. There are two basic types of baby root canals, referred to as a pulpotomy and a pulpectomy. This type of procedure typically has a high success rate, although there may be individual factors that lower the chances of success.
Cavities are made of bacteria, as well as other potentially harmful particles. When the cavity grows larger and extends to the center of the tooth, an infection may develop. This can cause swelling, discomfort, or pain. If the remainder of the tooth appears to be healthy, a dentist may recommend a baby root canal in an attempt to save the tooth.
A procedure known as a pulpotomy is one method of performing a baby root canal. In this procedure, the blood and nerve supplies are only removed from the center of the tooth. A pulpectomy is a bit more involved, as the blood and nerve supply is removed all the way to the root of the tooth. A pulpectomy generally takes a little longer to perform than a pulpotomy. In both procedures, a thick filling material is used to replace the blood and nerve supply to the tooth.
A baby root canal is considered by many dentists to be a highly successful procedure, although this procedure is not always successful in saving the tooth. In some cases, all of the bacteria is not able to be removed by the procedure, and the tooth eventually falls out anyway. Swelling and inflammation that naturally occur as a result of the procedure may also cause the root canal to fail and the tooth to fall out.
Due to the risks of baby root canal failure as well as possible physical and emotional trauma to the child, many parents elect not to have this procedure performed on their child. As long as the child is not in any pain, it is believed by some that the possible benefits are just not worth the risks to the overall well-being of the child. Any parent considering this procedure should do considerable research, and it may be wise to get a second opinion if there are any concerns.
