Because they’re temporary, many people assume baby teeth aren’t affected by the same issues as adult teeth. However, this isn’t true.
Due to poor oral hygiene and other factors, baby teeth can also develop cavities, which, if left untreated, can lead to a tooth infection. And in these cases, children may need a root canal to remove the infected tissue and prevent an extraction.
Infections start with a tooth cavity. As it grows bigger, it allows bacteria to enter the tooth and break down its tissue.
The best way to treat a tooth infection is with a root canal.
During the procedure, the pediatric dentist drills the tooth to expose the infected tissue. Using special tools, they remove all the bacteria from the inside, disinfect the tooth, and then apply a dental filling to restore it.
In some cases, the child might need a dental crown if the infection was large.
Yes, baby teeth will fall out sooner or later, but it’s important to ensure they do so naturally and not because of an infection.
A baby tooth starts to wiggle once the adult tooth is ready to take its place and slowly dissolves the root. Premature baby tooth loss could mean the other baby teeth shift to compensate for the extra space, so the adult tooth won’t have enough room to grow properly. This leads to issues with tooth alignment that can only be corrected through braces.
In some cases, the child may get a space maintainer to keep the space open, but if the tooth can be saved, it’s best to do it. Baby teeth are essential to a child’s development and help them learn how to talk and chew their food properly.
Watch out for the following signs that could indicate your child has a tooth infection:
If you notice any of these symptoms, call Dr. Matt for emergency dental services. The sooner the tooth can be treated, the better.
Cavities, infections, and other oral health issues can be prevented by:
Tooth infections are one of the most common types of oral emergencies, both for adults and children.
If your child is in pain and may need a root canal, call Dr. Matt at (763) 390-8575 for immediate care.
For a regular appointment, you can request a visit to Maple Grove Pediatric Dentistry online.
