Babies have beautiful smiles, and they will need to receive excellent oral care to stay that way. You can expect your child to go through several stages as their teeth and gums develop, and there are a few important steps to take during this process to ensure that their mouth remains healthy and grows properly. Here are a few things to keep in mind about how children’s mouths develop and how you can take excellent care of them.
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When we think of root canals, we often associate them with adults. But did you know that sometimes kids need a root canal-like procedure, too? Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, it’s important to keep them healthy until they’re ready to come out naturally. In cases where a cavity has spread deep inside a tooth, treatments like a pulpectomy or pulpotomy may be recommended.
Let’s break down what these procedures involve and why they’re so important for your child’s dental health.
A pulpotomy is a common procedure for baby teeth when tooth decay has reached the pulp—the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels—but hasn’t affected the root canals. During a pulpotomy, the dentist removes the infected or damaged portion of the pulp in the crown (the visible part of the tooth) while leaving the healthy pulp in the roots intact. The space is then cleaned and filled with a medicated material to prevent further infection, and the tooth is usually restored with a crown for durability.
Pulpotomies are sometimes called “baby tooth root canals,” although they are less invasive than traditional adult root canals. This treatment helps maintain the tooth’s function and guides proper development of the underlying permanent tooth.
A pulpectomy is performed when the infection or damage has spread beyond the crown and into the tooth’s roots. In this procedure, the dentist removes all of the pulp tissue—both from the crown and the root canals. After cleaning and disinfecting the canals, the dentist fills the empty space with a resorbable material designed to break down naturally as the baby tooth loosens and falls out.
Just like a pulpotomy, a pulpectomy is typically finished with a crown to protect the tooth. Pulpectomies are necessary when the infection is more advanced and would otherwise risk spreading to surrounding teeth or tissues.
You might wonder why a dentist would go to such lengths to save a tooth that will eventually fall out. The truth is, baby teeth play an essential role in your child’s oral health. They:
When a baby tooth is lost too early due to decay or infection, it can lead to shifting of the surrounding teeth, causing crowding or alignment problems when the permanent teeth come in. By preserving baby teeth with procedures like pulpotomies and pulpectomies, dentists help set the stage for a healthier smile in the future.
Preserving baby teeth through pulpectomy or pulpotomy ensures your child’s mouth stays healthy as they grow.
Surf’s Up Pediatric Dentistry is dedicated to providing fun, stress-free dental care for kids in a welcoming environment. Our team specializes in creating positive dental experiences while helping children maintain healthy smiles. From preventive checkups to restorative treatments like pulpotomies and pulpectomies, we’re here to support your child’s dental health every step of the way.
Call us at (402) 773-7873 or request an appointment online.
As a parent, watching your baby grow and develop is a wonderful journey. One big milestone is the arrival of their baby teeth. While they’re temporary, baby teeth play a crucial role in your child’s oral and overall health. Understanding what to expect, how to care for these little teeth, and why they matter can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
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Children are well-known for being cute, mischievous, precocious, and impatient, but people don’t typically think of them as enthusiastic about proper dental care. Getting your child started with proper oral hygiene is one of the best things you can do to help them enjoy excellent overall health for life, and making dental care a little more fun can make it easier for them to develop great habits. Here are a few ways to help your child get excited about protecting their teeth from infections and injuries.
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2025 is finally here, and hopefully, the year is off to a fantastic start for you and your child. But one way of ensuring that your little one has an excellent year is by setting their smile up for lasting health, and the secret to this is routine preventive dental care! If you haven’t scheduled your child’s first dental checkup of the new year, it’s time – here are a few reasons why.
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It can be difficult to sort through all the parenting advice online, especially when it comes to children’s dentistry. It seems like everyone has an opinion and sometimes they can be aggressively wrong! But how are you supposed to know fact from fiction? Misconceptions about children’s dental care can lead to problems down the road, so it’s important to get information from trusted sources. Continue reading to see five common myths about children’s dentistry busted so you can set the record straight!
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As a parent, you’ve got a lot on your plate. Luckily, modern dentistry offers great ways to keep your child’s teeth protected and healthy, giving you one less thing to worry about. Enter dental sealants. These protective coatings effectively reduce cavities in your child’s molars. But what are they, and how do they work? Continue reading to learn all you need to know about dental sealants and how they can protect your child’s oral health.
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You are likely aware that fluoride is often added to community water sources in the United States and many other places around the world. Some people view this negatively, but the purpose is to improve the dental health of the population. Continue reading to learn more about what fluoride is, why it’s added to drinking water, and how it is benefitting your family.
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You knew something was up when your kiddo refused a scoop of ice cream. After asking them about it, you came to the conclusion that their teeth are sensitive. Hot foods, cold treats, and pressure create dental discomfort almost as soon as the sensation registers in their mouth. So what can you do about this fairly common affliction? How do you know whether this is a dental emergency or not?
It’s important to pay close attention to your child’s symptoms in this situation. If they match any of the following signs, call your pediatric dentist!
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It can be hard enough to find a trustworthy dentist for yourself, let alone your child! You want to be absolutely certain that your little one is in good hands for their dental treatment, especially if they’ve chipped a tooth or are experiencing discomfort. But where do you even start? What sorts of things should you consider in making your decision?
Don’t fret! That’s exactly what this list is for. Keep reading so that if a dental disaster strikes, you’re not afraid to pick up the phone and call your child’s pediatric dentist.
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