Root Canal Treatment Reynoldsburg
The health of your child’s natural teeth goes beyond what’s visible–the soft tissue beneath baby teeth is just as important when it comes to preserving their smile.
Sometimes, cracks, chips, damage or decay can lead to infections within tooth pulp and the root of the tooth. Thankfully, innovations in dental treatment–like root canal therapy–can both prevent tooth extraction and save baby teeth.
Endodontic treatment is one of the best ways to save natural teeth, and is a comfortable and highly common dental procedure. In fact, according to the American Association of Endodontists, over 15 million root canals are performed each year.
At McKibben Dental, we are pleased to provide painless, compassionate root canal treatment to the pediatric patients of the Columbus area.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure designed to treat inflammation or infection within the soft tissue of a tooth, where blood vessels and connective tissue are held.
For child patients in particular, this will repair and save the baby tooth. This protects the developing permanent adult teeth and prevents them from erupting into a child’s mouth too early. In this way, root canal treatment helps prevent potential future need for orthodontic treatment. Preserving baby teeth also makes chewing, biting, swallowing and speaking easier for children as they mature.
As a reminder, the best way to prevent tooth decay from the start is to brush twice a day, floss and maintain regular dental visits. However, we recognize that needing dental treatment is just a part of life and are happy to accommodate the unique needs of our pediatric patients.
When Does My Child Need a Root Canal?
Root canals may be needed for a variety of issues, but some are more common than others. A root canal is the ideal treatment option for children with a deep cavity or significant injury leading to an infected baby tooth.
It is essential to recognize that in order for a root canal to work properly, the child’s tooth must still be well enough to be preserved. If it is not, Dr. McKibben and Dr. Ehrbar may recommend another solution like a tooth extraction.
Usually, as a parent or guardian, you can tell if your child is in need of endodontic treatment due to their symptoms and oral discomfort. If your child is in extreme pain, we invite you to contact us as soon as possible at 614-575-9530.
What Happens During a Root Canal for a Child Patient?
Modern endodontic treatment is nothing like the pain seen in movies or TV shows–rather, it’s a relatively quick procedure that protects, preserves and restores teeth. For children, it is even more simple and doesn’t require nearly as many special tools as an adult root canal would.
To start, our team will administer a local anesthetic to numb the affected area.
During the treatment process, the infected pulp chamber, which includes the surface nerve chamber, is removed. From here, the hole is cleaned, filled and sealed tightly. A baby crown will top the tooth to restore natural shape and structure.
A healing period will then follow to ensure your child’s tooth fully recovers. Dr. McKibben, Dr. Ehrbar, and the team will provide all necessary steps, instructions and education needed.
Looking for Pediatric Root Canals Near You in Reynoldsburg?
At McKibben Dental, our expert team specializes in restorative dentistry solutions that repair the smile of your child back to total oral and aesthetic health. Call our office at 614-575-9530 to discuss all of the services we offer to restore, protect and maintain baby teeth, including endodontic treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
In many cases, yes. A pediatric dental crown helps protect the treated tooth from future fractures and restores its strength for everyday chewing. The type of restoration we recommend depends on the location of the tooth and the amount of healthy tooth structure that remains.
An untreated infection can spread deeper into the tooth and surrounding tissues, leading to increased pain, swelling, or damage to the developing permanent tooth underneath. Prompt evaluation allows us to determine whether a root canal or another treatment is the best option. Families in Reynoldsburg, OH can rely on our team to provide timely, compassionate care for pediatric dental infections.
Yes. A pediatric root canal is designed specifically for baby teeth and focuses on removing infected tissue while preserving the tooth until it is naturally ready to fall out. The procedure is generally less complex than an adult root canal and helps maintain proper spacing for permanent teeth.
Many children can return to school the same day or the following day, depending on how they feel after the procedure. Mild tenderness is normal for a short time, but most children can resume their regular routines quickly with any recommended aftercare.
Good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, a balanced diet, and treating cavities early can greatly reduce the risk of future infections. Wearing a mouthguard during sports can also help protect children’s teeth from injuries that may damage the dental pulp. Our team is proud to help families in Reynoldsburg, OH keep growing smiles healthy.
