How to Prepare for Your Child’s Root Canal

At Midtown Endodontist NYC, we perform root canals every day. They offer an effective treatment that can reduce pain and improve oral health for kids. If your child is about to have their first root canal, your attitude will set the tone for the big day. Use these tips to help make the procedure as smooth as possible for your family.

Preparing Your Child for a Root Canal

Your focus should be helping your child feel comfortable entering the procedure and answering their questions ahead of time. You will also want to educate yourself so you feel more confident about what to expect. First, read up on root canals and how they bolster oral health. You might want to write a list of questions for your endodontist so you can gather the information you need to talk to your child before the day of the procedure.

After the root canal, your child will probably feel some discomfort. You should be ready to administer ice to the affected area. It is also a good idea to make sure you have an over-the-counter pain reliever available.

Your child might wonder whether they should go to school the day after a root canal. While everyone is different, most children can and do attend the next day. The distractions of class and seeing friends may even help your child forget about any discomfort they are experiencing.

How to Talk to Your Child About Their Root Canal

How you should discuss the root canal with your child depends on their age, but it is best to remain honest and straightforward throughout your conversation. If you tell your child that a root canal will not hurt at all, you could be setting a false expectation that will let them down later.

Instead, focus on explaining what will happen in simple terms. You should touch on:

• How long the procedure will last.
• What the endodontist will do to numb their mouth and how that might feel.
• The importance of sitting still while the endodontist is working.

Focus on the positives of the procedure. Instead of talking about pain during the root canal, explain how the pain your child has felt in their tooth leading up to the procedure will go away. Emphasize how they will be able to chew without discomfort and sleep easier at night.

Other Tips for Preparing for the Root Canal

Here are a few other tips to keep in mind during the days leading up to your child’s root canal:

• Stay calm and positive. Your child will take behavior cues from you. The calmer you appear, the more relaxed they will be.
• Set up a consultation with the endodontist. Your child will feel better about the root canal if they get to know the endodontist ahead of time. You can also take this opportunity to ask any questions you have about the procedure.
• Reserve an appointment as soon as possible. The longer your child’s tooth goes untreated, the more pain they will feel. Seek treatment as soon as you can.
• Ask about music during the root canal. Allowing your child to listen to music using earbuds can distract them from the procedure and help them relax.
• Request an insurance estimate beforehand. See if you can find out how much you will need to pay on the day of the root canal. Taking one more thing off your mind will help you be present for your child.
• Ask when your child can eat or drink again. They may have some restrictions right after the root canal procedure.

Book an Appointment for Your Child Today

If your child has tooth pain or needs a root canal, it is best to visit an endodontist as soon as possible. Our experienced team has treated many pediatric patients and understands the particular concerns of kids and parents. Get in touch with us today by calling (347) 708-8795 to discuss the symptoms your child has or book your appointment online.