Root Canal Therapy to Save Your Tooth

Yes, an infected baby tooth often needs a root canal because untreated infection can spread to the adult tooth developing underneath, cause serious pain, and lead to swelling or fever that affects your child’s whole body. Baby molars also stay in until around age 10 to 12, so saving the tooth protects years of chewing, speech development, and proper spacing for the adult teeth. Losing a baby tooth too early can cause nearby teeth to drift into the empty space, which often creates crowding or alignment problems as the permanent tooth tries to come in. A pediatric root canal preserves the tooth in place until it falls out on its own.

A pulpotomy removes only the infected pulp in the crown of the tooth, while a full root canal, also called pulpectomy, removes infected pulp all the way down through the roots. Pulpotomies are the more common treatment for baby teeth because the infection is often limited to the upper portion of the pulp. Full root canals are used when the infection has reached deeper into the roots or when treating a permanent adult tooth. Dr. Betty will recommend the treatment that best matches the extent of the infection in your child’s specific tooth.

No, a root canal is not painful for a child during the procedure because the tooth and surrounding gum are fully numbed with local anesthetic before treatment begins. Sedation options are also available if your child needs extra help staying calm and comfortable. Most kids feel only gentle pressure during the treatment, similar to a filling. Some mild soreness or tenderness is normal for a day or two afterward and usually responds well to children’s ibuprofen or acetaminophen at age-appropriate doses. In many cases, kids actually feel much better after a root canal because the infection causing the original tooth pain has been treated.

Wait until the numbness fully wears off, usually two to three hours, before offering food or drink to prevent accidental cheek, tongue, or lip bites. Once numbness is gone, soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, pasta, mashed potatoes, or scrambled eggs are ideal for the first day. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods on the treated side for at least 24 hours. Mild soreness for a day or two is normal and usually responds to children’s ibuprofen or acetaminophen at age-appropriate doses. Have your child rest the afternoon of the procedure and keep up with gentle brushing and flossing around the treated tooth.

Prevent most root canals by treating cavities early, before decay reaches the pulp inside the tooth. That means brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day where teeth touch, limiting sugary drinks and sticky snacks, and keeping every six-month checkup with Dr. Betty. Preventive treatments like dental sealants and professional fluoride varnish add strong extra protection, especially on back teeth. A properly fitted custom mouthguard during sports also lowers the risk of dental trauma, which is another common reason kids end up needing root canal therapy.

At Clover Kids Dentistry, we use gentle behavior guidance, tell-show-do explanations, and, when appropriate, sedation options ranging from nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, to deeper sedation for kids who need more support. Because a root canal is a longer, more involved appointment than a filling, we plan for extra comfort breaks and keep a calm, kid-friendly pace throughout. Bringing a favorite comfort item, scheduling early in the day when kids are rested, and letting your child meet Dr. Betty before the appointment can also make a big difference. Read more on our sedation dentistry page and share your child’s specific concerns when you book.

Clover Kids Dentistry provides pediatric root canal therapy, including pulpotomies on baby teeth, along with a full range of children’s dental services, at 14749 W 87th Pkwy, Unit A, Arvada, CO 80005. Call (720) 805-0707 to schedule your child’s appointment, or visit our hours and location page for directions, current office hours, and parking details. We serve families across Arvada and the surrounding northwest Denver metro area, including nearby Westminster, Wheat Ridge, and Broomfield. Dr. Betty Yip focuses exclusively on pediatric dentistry, so every root canal treatment is planned around what is safest, gentlest, and most effective for growing smiles.