Pulp Treatment Lake St. Louis
Easing Tooth Pain with Effective Treatment
Is your child complaining of a toothache that won’t seem to go away? This could be due to an infection that has burrowed its way into the inner chamber of a cavity-stricken tooth. Dr. Ivan can help erase their discomfort as well as repair the tooth’s structure and function with pulp treatment in Lake St. Louis. Call our office today to schedule a same-day, after-hours, or weekend emergency appointment so we can help get your little one out of pain as soon as possible.
Why Choose Sunny Shore Pediatric Dentistry of Lake Saint Louis for Pulp Treatment?
- Safe Children’s Dental Sedation Offered
- Experienced Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
- Durable Zirconia & Stainless Steel Dental Crowns
Does Your Child Need Pulp Treatment?
Knowing whether your child needs pulp treatment requires an appointment with Dr. Ivan. This will allow him examine the tooth thoroughly, determining what kind of state it is in. If he discovers that the tooth is badly infected, it will need to be fixed with pulp treatment.
Common symptoms that may indicate the need for pulp treatment include:
- Persistent tooth pain
- Sensitivity to warm or cold foods and beverages
- Swelling around the affected tooth
- Reddening of the gums near the tooth
- Loose tooth
How Does Pulp Treatment Work?
Pulp treatment, also sometimes referred to as a baby root canal, is a two-part treatment. After Dr. Ivan concludes that your child has a large cavity extending to the nerve, he will administer a local anesthetic to the area to numb it. He’ll prepare the tooth by clearing away decay and sanitizing the area. In some cases, Dr. Ivan may also recommend children’s dental sedation, like nitrous oxide, to help calm any fear or nerves they may have.
If the root of the tooth has yet to become infected, Dr. Ivan can remove only the infected pulp within the inner chamber of the tooth and fill the area to restore its structure. This will help ease your child’s pain and prevent the infection from worsening. He will then fill the tooth with gutta-percha and attach a dental crown for added support and protection.
The Benefits of Getting Pulp Treatment
Many patients (and parents) may be apprehensive about the idea of pulp treatment, but there are many great benefits, such as:
- The ability to save a primary or permanent tooth from extraction. This ensures baby teeth stay in place until it’s time for them to fall out on their own.
- It addresses the persistent pain so that your child no longer feels discomfort.
- It encourages healthy tooth eruption, allowing the primary tooth to fall out naturally while the permanent one erupts normally.
- It is more cost-effective than tooth replacement procedures.
- It addresses the infection that is affecting the interior of your child’s tooth.
- Pulp treatment promotes long-term oral health by delivering greater protection to affected smiles.
Pulp Treatment FAQs
What is the difference between a pulpectomy and a pulpotomy?
Pulp treatment in Lake St. Louis comes in two forms: pulpectomy and pulpotomy. A pulpectomy requires Dr. Ivan to remove the entire pulp from the tooth’s root canals. A pulpotomy focuses only on removing the infected pulp within the crown, not the root. As you can see, the only difference is the amount of pulp removed. No matter which procedure your child needs, you can trust that Dr. Ivan will ensure their safety and comfort throughout their visit.
What can happen if my child waits too long to get a pulpotomy?
If you do not allow your child to move forward with a pulpotomy, the risk of infection increases. Exposed dental pulp that remains untreated can make it easier for bacteria to spread to nearby tissues and further into the tooth. As a result, your child will likely experience worsening pain, inflammation, or a dental abscess. This may require complex treatment, such as a pulpectomy or tooth extraction.
Is a pulpectomy a permanent solution?
Learning that your child needs a pulpectomy may not be what you hoped to hear at their appointment, but the good news is that this type of treatment can be highly effective, especially in primary teeth. Keeping these teeth in optimal condition until they fall out naturally is the goal, so a pulpectomy can be an ideal solution for an infected tooth. Not only does it prevent early removal, but it also allows your child to continue using their tooth like normal.
What is recovery like after a pulpectomy?
If your child needs a pulpectomy, you’ll need to follow the aftercare instructions we provide to ensure swift healing and better overall health. Your child will need to:
- Take medication as instructed by Dr. Ivan to minimize discomfort
- Eat only soft foods and liquid after the procedure to avoid irritation
- Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection by brushing twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush, but be careful when cleaning near the affected tooth
- Trust they can come to you for emotional support during the recovery process
- Be closely monitored so that any complications are caught early
- Visit our office for follow-up appointments to ensure everything is healing properly