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Pediatric Endodontist in NYC
Root Canals for Children
If your child struggles with tooth pain, make an appointment with a pediatric endodontist.
These dental specialists focus on treating injuries or diseases inside the tooth’s soft tissue. You may be nervous about your child needing a root canal treatment, but Dr. Steven Lipner and the team at Midtown Endodontist NYC provide a caring environment where kids get the best pediatric endodontic care in Manhattan and throughout New York City. Read our reviews to see why our services are highly-rated!
By using advanced techniques and a gentle approach perfect for our youngest patients, we strive to ensure your child’s root canal procedure is as painless, stress-free and successful as possible. We have various sedation options, which are especially helpful for kids who are anxious about pain or who have special needs.
The moment you walk into our modern, comfortable office in NYC’s Midtown East neighborhood, you and your child will feel instantly at ease, knowing you are in the best possible hands.
Book a free consultation to learn more about our pediatric endodontic services in NYC.
What Is a Pediatric Root Canal?
Sometimes, because of deep decay, infection or injury, your child may require endodontic care. A pediatric root canal treatment is the most common endodontic procedure for kids. At Midtown Endodontist NYC, we specialize in offering even our youngest patients this procedure.
Pediatric root canal treatments involve addressing problems or concerns within the dental pulp — the soft core of the tooth.
The dental pulp contains blood vessels, connective tissue and nerves. To save the tooth, an endodontist receives two to three years of additional training following dental school to gain the expertise needed to provide better endodontic treatment and results to not only adults but also children.
When Is a Pediatric Root Canal Needed?
Your child may need a pediatric root canal if the dental pulp in their baby tooth or permanent tooth becomes injured or diseased.
You may be wondering why a baby tooth needs saving when it will eventually fall out.
When the pulp of a tooth becomes damaged or diseased, it will decay when left untreated. An abscess may also form, which can damage the bone near the tooth. This condition can be excruciating and lead to permanent damage.
Root canal procedures performed on baby teeth are also necessary because they:
- Save space for permanent teeth
- Preserve the shape of the face
- Prevent pain and potential bone damage
- Help maintain proper speaking and chewing functions
What Does a Pediatric Root Canal Treatment Involve?
Before proceeding with any treatment options, we perform a digital X-ray which allows us to evaluate the tooth and determine the extent of damage to the pulp tissue.
Dr. Lipner will explain what your child’s root canal procedure involves before proceeding with the following steps:
- Provide local anesthesia or another sedation option to numb the tooth, as well as the area around it.
- Begin the pediatric root canal procedure using cutting-edge endodontic equipment.
- Remove the affected part of the nerve.
- Place crowns over primary teeth to restore and protect them.
Do Baby Teeth Have Nerves and Roots?
Baby teeth have pulp chambers filled with nerves and blood vessels. While these nerves and blood vessels help baby teeth develop, they become less essential as the child ages since primary teeth will eventually replace them. The nerves will remain functional until the tooth falls out.
Do Baby Teeth Need Root Canals?
If a child’s baby tooth gets infected or damaged, the tooth may need a root canal to prevent further complications. A root canal treatment may be necessary if the baby tooth is in danger of falling out too soon or if there is tooth decay and poses a threat to the permanent tooth beneath it.
What Is a Root Canal on a Baby Tooth Called?
A root canal performed on a baby tooth is called a pulpectomy or a pulpotomy, but it is often referred to simply as a baby root canal.
What Is the Difference Between a Root Canal and a Pulpotomy?
The main difference between a root canal and a pulpotomy is that a root canal procedure removes tissue from both the root canal system and the pulp chamber of a tooth. In contrast, a pulpotomy only removes tissue from the pulp chamber.
What Age Can You Get a Root Canal?
Most pediatric root canal patients are 12 years of age or older. Root canals on baby teeth are sometimes performed on children younger than this, but pre-teens and teenagers seek root canal therapy more often, especially for root canals on molar teeth.
Why Would a Dentist Do a Root Canal for a Baby Tooth?
A dentist may choose to do a root canal on a baby tooth for one of the following reasons:
- The baby tooth is broken or damaged.
- The baby tooth has a cavity or abscess.
- The baby tooth may fall out too early if a root canal is not performed.
- The baby tooth is infected.
Choose the Best Pediatric Endodontist in NYC for Your Child
If your child is experiencing severe tooth pain or discomfort, schedule an appointment with a pediatric endodontist.
Learn more about pediatric root canals when you schedule a free consultation at Midtown Endodontist NYC, the best pediatric endodontist in NYC.
Author: Dr. Steven Lipner
