At Lamorinda Tooth Buds, we understand that hearing your child needs a root canal can be concerning. However, our specialized pediatric dental team is here to ensure that the procedure is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Located in Lafayette, CA, we offer expert root canal treatments to preserve your child's natural teeth and maintain their oral health.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat and save a tooth that is severely decayed or infected. During the procedure, the infected or damaged pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned, disinfected, and sealed. This helps prevent further infection and preserves the tooth's structure.
Why Would a Child Need a Root Canal?
Children might need a root canal for several reasons:
- Severe Tooth Decay: Extensive decay can reach the pulp of the tooth, causing pain and infection.
- Trauma: An injury to the tooth can damage the pulp, requiring a root canal to save the tooth.
- Infection: An untreated cavity or other dental issues can lead to an infection that spreads to the tooth's pulp.
Baby Teeth and Root Canals
Many parents wonder, "Do baby teeth have roots?" Yes, baby teeth (primary teeth) have roots, just like permanent teeth. When a baby tooth is severely decayed or infected, a procedure known as a "baby root canal" (pulpotomy or pulpectomy) may be necessary to treat the tooth and prevent premature loss.
What to Expect During a Baby Root Canal
When your child requires a baby root canal, our Lafayette pediatric dentist ensures the procedure is as smooth and pain-free as possible. Here’s what you can expect:
Examination and Diagnosis
Our dentist will start with a thorough examination, which may include digital X-rays, to assess the extent of the decay or damage.
Numbing and Preparation
To ensure your child’s comfort, a local anesthetic is applied to numb the affected area. We explain each step to your child to help them feel at ease.
Removal of Damaged Pulp
Using specialized tools, our dentist will remove the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth. The area is then cleaned and disinfected to eliminate any remaining bacteria.
Filling and Sealing
The cleaned space inside the tooth is filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to prevent further infection. If necessary, a crown may be placed on the tooth to restore its function and appearance.
Why Choose Lamorinda Tooth Buds for Root Canals?
Experienced Pediatric Dentists
Our team, including Dr. Barnali Roy and Dr. Katie Kim, specializes in pediatric dentistry and is skilled in performing root canal procedures on children. We focus on making the experience as comfortable as possible for our young patients.
Child-Friendly Environment
Our Lafayette dental office is designed to be welcoming and child-friendly, helping to reduce anxiety and create a positive experience for your child.
Comprehensive Care
In addition to root canals, we offer a wide range of pediatric dental services to meet all of your child’s dental needs. From regular cleanings to emergency care, we are here to help.
Serving the Lamorinda Community
Lamorinda Tooth Buds proudly serves families in Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, and the surrounding areas. As your trusted provider of root canals in Lafayette, we are committed to delivering exceptional dental care to our community.
Schedule an Appointment
If your child needs a root canal or you have concerns about their dental health, please contact us at (925) 385-8051 to schedule an appointment. For more information, visit our Contact Us page.
Learn more about our practice and team by visiting our About Us page.