Paediatric Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is the process of removing and infected nerve while saving the tooth. It is not a treatment that is frequently needed in children, but is available should the need arise.

The Benefits

Primary teeth become wobbly and fall out along a natural time line allowing the adult teeth to erupt into the mouth. In some cases, if a primary tooth has an inflamed nerve, but is still needed in the mouth, a root canal treatment can allow us to stabilise the tooth. The treatment will alleviate the pain, and infection, and allow the primary tooth to remain in the mouth until the adult tooth is ready to erupt. This process reduces the possibility of the adult teeth becoming crowded, and helps to simplify future orthodontic treatment, or even to avoid the need entirely.

The Process

Our professional team of dentists will discuss the problem and treatment options with you, along with the pros, cons, risks and costs.

The treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, either just surface numbing or with injection as well. Our clinic always applies a surface numbing gel before giving the local anaesthetic injection, to give almost pain free analgesia.

The affected nerve is then accessed through the crown of the tooth using dental drills. The whole or part of the nerve is removed, and appropriate medication placed. A filling is placed to restore the tooth, and occlusion is checked. In some cases a second visit is needed to clean further and replace the intra canal dressing. The root canal-treated tooth will be monitored until the primary tooth falls out and the adult tooth erupts.

The Cost

Fees for root canal treatment in primary teeth will vary depending on complexity, ranging between $321.00 – $535.00. We always encourage you to meet with our dentist for a consultation, and discussion of your child’s particular needs and treatment costs.