Root Canal Treatment for Children: What Parents Should Know
Updated: Sep 23
Your child's smile is precious, and as a parent, you want to do everything you can to protect it.
However, do you know that even baby teeth can sometimes need root canal treatment? It may come as a surprise, but children's teeth between the ages of six months and six years have weaker, thinner enamel, which makes them more prone to decay.
When damage or infection reaches the inside of a baby tooth, a treatment such as a pulpotomy or pulpectomy may be needed. This therapy removes the damaged tissue, seals the tooth, and keeps it healthy and functional until it's ready to fall out naturally.
We understand that the thought of root canal therapy can be scary, especially when it involves your child. That's why our team has written this blog on root canal treatment for children to answer the questions most commonly asked by parents in your situation.
Why Would Your Child Need a Root Canal?
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), 9.1% of Australian children aged 5–17 experienced toothache in the previous 12 months. Tooth pain in children can happen due to deep tooth decay, a cracked or injured tooth, or an untreated cavity that has reached the pulp (the area containing nerves and blood vessels).
A root canal treatment can help remove the infected or damaged pulp by cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth to relieve pain and save the tooth rather than removing it. Plus, saving a baby tooth can also be important because RCT maintains space for the child's permanent teeth and supports normal chewing and development.
Common reasons a child may need root canal treatment include:
Deep Tooth Decay: An untreated cavity can eventually reach the pulp.
Dental Injuries: Any fall, sports injury, or other accident can cause damage.
Significant Tooth Damage: Sometimes, your damaged tooth needs more than a filling; in such situations, Dentish in Scarborough recommends a root canal + crown.
Infection: Bacteria that reach the pulp can lead to inflammation or infection.
Why Does a Child's Tooth Become Infected?
Common causes include:
Untreated tooth decay
Poor oral hygiene
Bacterial infection
Cracked or chipped teeth
Gum disease
Dental damage or trauma
Large cavities
Complications from prior dental treatments
Common Signs Your Child May Need a Root Canal Treatment
Children do not always explain dental pain clearly. Some may become upset, stop eating certain foods, or avoid using one side of their mouth. Keep an eye out for signs such as:
Sensitivity to hot or cold
Swollen or tender gums
Pain while biting or chewing
Tooth discoloration
Dental trauma or fracture
Pus or a pimple on the gums
Persistent bad breath or bad taste
What is Inside a Baby Tooth?
To understand why a child may need pulp treatment, it's important first to understand what's inside a baby tooth. A baby tooth has several layers–
Enamel: The outer layer protects the tooth from decay, bacteria, and acids.
Dentin: The portion of the tooth that lies beneath the enamel.
Pulp: The soft centre of the tooth where the nerves and blood vessels are located.
When tooth decay progresses through the enamel and dentin and reaches the pulp, the tissue can become inflamed or infected. If the affected pulp cannot recover, treatment may be needed to remove the damaged tissue and prevent the infection from progressing.
Once the pulp is significantly affected, a regular filling may no longer be enough. Depending on the situation, Dr Sepideh Maleki may recommend RCT to remove the affected tissue while keeping the tooth healthy and protected.
Pulpotomy vs Pulpectomy: What's the Difference?
When parents hear the word "root canal", they usually do not realise the dental treatment process can involve different approaches. Two common forms of pulp treatment are pulpotomy and pulpectomy.
Aspect | Pulpotomy | Pulpectomy |
Definition | Removes affected pulp from the crown. | Removes pulp from the crown and roots. |
Pulp removed | Part of the pulp. | Entire pulp. |
Healthy pulp | Root pulp is preserved. | No pulp is preserved. |
Used when | Damage is limited. | Pulp is severely damaged or infected. |
Treatment area | Pulp chamber only. | Pulp chamber and root canals. |
Main purpose | Preserve healthy pulp and the tooth. | Remove infection and save the tooth. |
Root Canal Procedure for Children
Every child and every tooth is different so the treatment can vary. At Dentistry at Sullivan, Dr Sepideh Maleki and her team assess the tooth and symptoms to determine the right treatment.
A baby root canal involves the following steps:
Examination & Diagnosis: We examine your child's tooth, symptoms, and overall condition. A CBCT, 3D imaging, determines the extent of decay or infection.
Numbing the Tooth: Local anaesthetic is used to numb the tooth and surrounding area before treatment to make your child comfortable during the process.
Pulp Treatment: Depending on the tooth condition, a pulpotomy or pulpectomy is performed to remove damaged pulp carefully from inside the tooth.
Cleaning the Tooth: The root canal is carefully cleaned and disinfected to remove bacteria and help prevent infection from returning inside the baby tooth.
Sealing the Tooth: The cleaned canals are filled with an appropriate material and sealed to help prevent bacteria and further damage.
Restoring the Tooth: After baby RCT, the tooth needs restoration; a stainless-steel crown may be placed to protect the treated tooth and restore normal chewing function.
Follow-Up Care: Regular check-ups at Dentistry at Sullivan help monitor the treated tooth and ensure it remains healthy until the permanent tooth develops.
Does Root Canal Treatment Hurt?
This is one of the first questions parents ask: "Will a Baby Root Canal Hurt My Child?"
Children's root canals are administered under local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and maintain comfort. During the dental procedure, your child may experience some pressure or movement, but they shouldn't experience sharp pain.
It's also normal for children to feel nervous about visiting the dentist. At Dentistry at Sullivan, Dr Sepideh Maleki and her child-friendly team explain each step in simple, age-appropriate language and allow breaks when needed.
Some children may have mild soreness or discomfort after treatment. If your child has significant or worsening pain after treatment, contact the dentist for advice.
How Can I Prepare My Child for a Root Canal?
Explain Simply: Use calm, positive words to explain to your child what will happen. Avoid words like needle or pain.
Answer their questions: Let your child share their worries and answer the questions in an age-appropriate way.
Bring Comfort Items: A favourite toy, blanket, or other familiar item can help your child feel relaxed during the dental visit.
Choose a Good Time: Avoid scheduling the appointment when your child is tired or hungry because they may be anxious or less able to cooperate.
Reassure Them: Let your child know you'll be there to support them. It helps your child feel safe and less anxious.
Why Is Saving a Baby Tooth Important?
No doubt, baby teeth are temporary, but they play a crucial role in:
Chewing
Speech
Maintaining space for new teeth
Guiding permanent teeth for appropriate position
And avoiding early tooth loss
Kids' Root Canal Aftercare Instructions
Dentistry at Sullivan, Dr Sepideh Maleki and associates provide aftercare instructions to promote healing and reduce discomfort. Some general considerations include:
Mild Discomfort: Your child may have mild discomfort or sensitivity for a short period after treatment.
Eating & chewing: Follow the dentist's instructions about eating, chewing, and what food you can choose.
Good Oral Hygiene: Encourage regular brushing and gentle cleaning around the treated teeth.
Protect Treated Tooth: Avoid chewing on the treated tooth, especially when your mouth is still numb.
Follow-up Care: Go to the suggested examinations so our staff can keep an eye on the healing of the treated tooth.
Saving Your Child's Tooth at Dentistry at Sullivan
When your child has tooth pain, swelling, a damaged tooth, or has been advised to have pulp treatment, visiting a dentist is the best choice. At Dentistry at Sullivan, we make things simple. We provide children's dental care in Scarborough, including preventive dental care and pulp treatments such as pulpotomy and pulpectomy.
We are a group of energetic, values-driven dental clinicians located on Sheppard Avenue East in Scarborough. Our compassionate and proficient team is ready to walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help protect your child's smile with a parent-friendly approach. Same-day emergency appointments are also available for anyone experiencing urgent pain.
Give Your Child's Tooth a Second Chance with a Conversation. Book your consultation with Dentistry at Sullivan today and take the first step towards a pain-free smile.
People Also Ask
Can a 3- or 4-year-old have a root canal?
Yes, if a young child's baby tooth has extensive decay or infection, the dentist will assess the tooth and recommend the most appropriate treatment to save the tooth.
What happens if an infected baby tooth is not treated?
There is a high chance that the infection may worsen and can lead to pain, swelling, an abscess, or damage to surrounding tissues.
How long does root canal treatment take for a child?
Treatment time varies depending on the tooth, the extent of the infection, and whether a pulpotomy or pulpectomy is required. The dentist can give you a better estimate after examining your child.
How Much Does a Kids' Root Canal Cost in Dentistry at Sullivan, Scarborough?
The cost varies depending on the type of treatment, tooth condition, and restoration needed.
Our team provides a personalised estimate after examining your child's tooth.
Will My Child Need a Crown After a Root Canal?
It depends. Some baby teeth may need a stainless-steel crown to protect the tooth after treatment. However, our team will recommend the most suitable restoration based on the child's tooth's condition.
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