Tooth pain in children often points to something deeper than a surface cavity. When decay or injury reaches the soft tissue inside a baby tooth, it may lead to swelling, infection, or constant discomfort. In these cases, a pediatric root canal offers a safe way to remove the problem and save the tooth. This treatment helps keep the baby tooth in place until it naturally falls out, supporting proper speech, chewing, and the alignment of future adult teeth.
A pediatric root canal, also called a pulpotomy or pulpectomy, treats infection inside a baby tooth. When a cavity or injury reaches the pulp—the soft tissue inside the tooth—it can cause pain, swelling, and infection. If left untreated, the infection may spread and affect surrounding teeth or bone.
Pediatric root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it. A crown is placed afterward to protect the structure until the baby tooth falls out naturally. This keeps the space open for the permanent tooth and supports healthy development.
Some symptoms are obvious, while others develop gradually. Contact our Methuen dental office if your child shows:
Children may not always describe their symptoms clearly, so changes in eating, sleeping, or behavior can also be warning signs.
Baby teeth are not just temporary placeholders. They guide the proper growth and alignment of adult teeth. If a baby tooth is removed too early, nearby teeth may shift into the empty space, causing crowding or bite issues later.
A root canal helps preserve the natural tooth, keeping the mouth balanced and reducing the need for future orthodontic correction. It also helps your child chew comfortably and speak clearly during critical growth years.
We begin with a full evaluation, including digital X-rays, to confirm the condition of the tooth. Based on the level of damage, we choose between two approaches:
If only the top portion of the pulp is affected, it’s removed and a medicated material is applied to protect the remaining healthy tissue. A crown is then placed to restore the tooth.
If the infection has reached the root canals, we remove all pulp tissue, clean the canals, and seal the space. The crown protects the restored tooth.
Each procedure is done under local anesthesia. We also offer sedation options for children who feel anxious or have trouble staying still.
Our team at Kangaroo Smiles delivers high-quality pediatric care in a setting designed for children. We work with families throughout Methuen and surrounding areas to provide fast and effective solutions for dental pain and infection.
Our services include:
We make every step of care clear for both parents and children. Our goal is to provide a smooth experience and a lasting result.
After a pediatric root canal, most children return to normal activities within a day. Mild soreness is possible but easy to manage with over-the-counter pain relief. We provide full instructions for home care and offer follow-up visits when needed.
The crown remains in place until the baby tooth falls out naturally, helping prevent shifting and preserving proper spacing for adult teeth.
If your child is experiencing tooth pain, swelling, or signs of infection, call our office now. Delaying treatment may lead to more discomfort or tooth loss. A pediatric root canal can protect your child’s health and comfort while avoiding future complications.
Call Kangaroo Smiles in Methuen at 978-425-1496 or book online.
A pediatric root canal is a procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp from inside a baby tooth. It helps relieve pain and saves the tooth until it’s ready to fall out naturally.
No. The treatment is done with local anesthesia. Most children feel relief after the procedure since it removes the source of the pain.
The procedure usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the condition of the tooth and how much of the pulp is affected.
Yes. A dental crown protects the treated tooth and keeps it strong while it stays in place to guide permanent teeth into proper position.
Early loss of a baby tooth can lead to spacing problems and affect how adult teeth come in. Saving the tooth helps support proper development.
Children can usually return to eating soft foods within a few hours. Avoid hard or sticky foods for a few days to protect the crown.