Root canals are an important procedure for preserving the health of teeth that have been damaged or decayed. Root canals may be needed for children to treat severe tooth pain and prevent further damage to the tooth. While these procedures can successfully restore oral health, proper post-treatment care is essential for a full recovery.
Generally, our pediatric dentist in Calgary determines if root canal therapy is needed for a child based on the X-ray of an affected tooth. This will show the dentist if there is any decay or damage that needs to be addressed. If the X-ray shows that the nerve inside the tooth has become infected, a root canal may be necessary.
The dentist will then decide if they wish to perform the procedure or refer you and your child to an endodontist specializing in root canals. Once it has been determined that a root canal is needed, it’s time to prepare your child for the procedure.
Explain what will happen in terms they understand and remind them that it won’t hurt during the procedure because local anesthesia will be used. Knowing what to expect can help them feel more comfortable getting treatment. During a root canal procedure, your child’s endodontist (or dentist) will remove all infected tissue from the inside of the affected tooth using specialized tools such as drills and files.
They’ll then clean out any remaining debris before filling and sealing off the space with special materials called gutta-percha (which functions as a permanent seal). Finally, a crown (or cap) made of porcelain or metal may need to be placed over your child’s newly treated tooth for extra protection against further damage from decay or trauma.
Post-Treatment Care
Rest
The first step in post-treatment care for children following a root canal is to ensure adequate rest. In the days immediately following the procedure, children need to avoid strenuous activities. This will help reduce pain and discomfort associated with the procedure. Parents should consider reducing their child’s regular activities, such as sports or schoolwork.
Dental appointment
Another important aspect of post-treatment care for a child’s root canal involves monitoring their progress with dental appointments. Parents must take their child to follow-up appointments with their dentist after a root canal procedure has been completed to ensure that the healing process is progressing correctly and there are no signs of infection or other complications. These checkups may also include x-rays to evaluate how well the treated area is healing and if any additional problems need addressing.
Home care
In addition, proper home care is vital for helping a child recover following a root canal treatment. Parents should ensure their child continues brushing and flossing regularly, as this will help remove plaque buildup that could lead to further decay or infection at the site of the treated tooth. They should also encourage them to rinse with warm salt water twice daily to reduce inflammation and speed up healing.
Listen to your children
Lastly, parents need to pay attention to how their child’s mouth feels after treatment, as this can indicate if any potential problems with healing or infection need medical attention immediately.
If they experience persistent pain or swelling around the treated area. In that case, parents should contact their dentist immediately as these symptoms could indicate an underlying issue, such as an abscess or infection in the gums or mouth tissue, which will require medical intervention immediately to prevent further damage from occurring.
Precautions for better care
Take it easy
Following your child’s root canal procedure, limiting their physical activity is important. This will help ensure that the area remains undisturbed while it heals and reduces the risk of further injury or infection.
Maintain good oral hygiene
Encourage your child to brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Additionally, flossing at least once a day is encouraged to remove food particles and bacteria that can lead to further decay and infection.
Avoid hard foods
For at least two weeks following the procedure, your child must eat soft foods only. Hard or crunchy foods can easily damage the affected area, leading to pain or even re-infection of the tooth. Ice cream and yoghurt are great options!
Rinse regularly
Saltwater rinses can be used up to four times per day following the procedure to keep the affected area clean and reduce inflammation (swelling) in the gums surrounding the tooth. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in 8-ounce warm water; your child should swish this mixture around their mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Use over-the-counter pain medications as needed
If needed, your child may take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) as directed by your pediatrician or dentist to alleviate any discomfort associated with their root canal treatment.
Follow up with your dentist
A follow-up appointment with your child’s dentist will be scheduled soon after they receive their root canal treatment; this appointment allows your dentist to assess how well their root canal procedure is progressing and catch any issues early on if they arise. Make sure you bring along any questions about caring for your child’s teeth following their treatment!
Wrapping up
Overall, good oral hygiene practices are essential following a root canal treatment to help promote successful healing. Following the tips after completing a root canal therapy that can prevent future problems from developing, such as infection or decay. Proper home care combined with regular visits with a pediatric dentist can help ensure that your child enjoys healthy teeth long into adulthood!
At The Port Dental in Calgary, we understand the importance of providing children with the best dental care. We are committed to making their experience as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Our friendly staff provides a welcoming atmosphere, making it easy for parents and children to feel at ease.
We strive to provide quality dental care for all our patients, including children, in an environment that is safe and inviting. Our convenient online booking system allows you to easily schedule your child’s dental appointment from the comfort of your home. Thank you for choosing The Port Dental for your family’s dental needs!
