We don’t usually think that paediatric root canal treatment is necessary for children. Primary teeth typically become wobbly and fall out along a natural timeline, allowing adult teeth to erupt into the mouth.
In some cases, if the primary tooth has an inflamed nerve but still needs to remain in the mouth, a root canal treatment can help dentists stabilise the tooth.
Is your child exhibiting any of the following symptoms?
- Toothache or pain when biting down on something hard
- Cracked teeth, with sharp edges poking out from the gum line
- Swollen gums, bleeding while brushing teeth or after eating hot food
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions for your child, then they may be suffering from a root canal infection.
The treatment will alleviate the pain and infection. More importantly, it will 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. It also helps to simplify future orthodontic treatment, or even to avoid the need entirely.
Root canal treatment is not a procedure that we would like to undertake if it can be avoided. Regular dental examinations can help prevent and avoid root canal treatments for kids. Unfortunately, sometimes a root canal treatment is necessary to save the tooth and prevent extraction. The procedure towards salvaging the tooth entails removing all diseased nerves from within the tooth. Modern technology has made this process very safe for both children and adults, and the benefits can be well worth it.
Children need to receive treatment as soon as symptoms are detected so that they can receive the proper care and treatment necessary for their long-term oral health. At TEETH @ Tiong Bahru Dental Clinic, children receive specialised care from our experienced dentists. Our team understands that children’s needs are different from those of adults. We work closely with you to ensure your child is comfortable throughout the entire process.
The different types of root canal treatments for children are:
- Endodontic treatment is used to remove the infected nerve of a tooth.
- Pulpotomy, a less invasive procedure, involves removing any debris from inside the tooth and treating it with antibiotics to stop the infection, while leaving the root canal intact.
- Pulpectomy, a procedure where a small cut is made in the child’s gum to remove any diseased tissue, which can then be followed up with antibiotics.
Paediatric Root Canal Treatment Process
Our professional team of dentists will discuss the problem and treatment options with you, along with the pros, cons, risks, and paediatric root canal costs.
The treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, with either surface numbing or with injection as well. Our clinic always applies a surface numbing gel before giving the local anaesthetic injection to provide 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 is placed within. 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 intracanal dressing. The root canal-treated tooth will be monitored until the primary tooth falls out and the adult tooth erupts.
Paediatric Root Canal Treatment Cost
Root canal treatments are designed to help children regain their oral health by removing any infected tissue inside the tooth. At TEETH @ Tiong Bahru Dental Clinic, we offer expert paediatric dental care in Singapore to help children overcome many common issues associated with teeth and gums. Our dentists specialise in treating children’s dental problems, such as cavities and gum diseases, as well as performing root canal procedures when necessary to save your child’s natural teeth.
Fees for root canal treatment in primary teeth will vary depending on the complexity, ranging from $436 to $654. We always encourage you to meet with our dentist for a consultation and discussion of your child’s particular needs and treatment costs.
We understand that children can be susceptible to dental treatments. If you have any questions about children’s root canal treatments or would like to book paediatric root canal services with one of our dentists, please do not hesitate to contact us today.