Root canal is a treatment in Islamabad that aims at treating a damaged, decaying, or infected tooth. Subsequently, the pulp tissue is taken out, the root canal is cleaned and disinfected and it is later sealed to prevent recontamination. Most people ask this question: what is the Minimum age for a root canal treatment?  But perhaps, this treatment may be needed for children in some cases too.

In this blog, we will discuss the minimum age for root canals and the reasons why young people need it.

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

It is a process that is done on an affected tooth that may be caused due to any disease or injury. During a root canal procedure, the dentist removes the pulpal tissue, shapes and cleans the canal spaces, and finally leaves the tooth space packed to avoid reinfection.

Root Canal for Primary Teeth

Children have two sets of teeth throughout their lives, first primary teeth and second permanent teeth or adult dentition. It is used from the time the baby is six months old. Caries affect all primary teeth in a child and these teeth are shed and replaced with permanent teeth before the teenager.

When Is Root Canal Treatment Necessary for Primary Teeth?

Root canal treatment for primary teeth may be required if:

The tooth is severely decayed:

 When cavities extend towards the root, they reach the nerves and cause discomfort, as well as the possibility of swelling.

Trauma or injury: 

A child can seriously injure their teeth and may require a root canal if it happens due to an accident or fall.

Infection: 

If you have an infection, inflammation, or pain, then you may require a root canal to remove the affected pulp.

Root Canal Treatment for Permanent Teeth in Children

A root canal procedure is considered very uncommon in children. When the tooth is decayed or an infection is present, an endodontist should be seen. The first permanent molars often erupt when the child is six or seven years old. In the teenage, all the permanent teeth as a child will be developed and present in the mouth except the third or the wisdom tooth.

As with any other body organ, when a permanent tooth gets damaged, infected, or decays, we have to ensure it regains its normal health permanently. If this is the case, a dentist may advise the patient to undergo root canal treatment to save the tooth from extraction while preserving the health and position of the other teeth.

Under Which Circumstances Should Root Canal Treatment Be Done on Permanent Teeth?

Root canal treatment for permanent teeth in children and teenagers may be necessary in the following cases:

Deep cavities: If the decay has reached the pulp then the pulp is softened then that tooth requires root fillings to be filled.

Trauma or injury: Some may engage themselves in sporting activities or accidents which may lead to their teeth cracking or breaking down and require a root canal.

Infection: Infections in permanent teeth can extend to the surrounding tissues and lead to symptoms such as pain, and swelling or influence other organs and systems of the body.

Factors Dentists Consider Before Performing a Root Canal on a Child

By deciding whether a child is a good candidate for root canal treatment or not, dentists will evaluate several factors:

Tooth type: If it is a primary or permanent tooth, the treatment plan for the tooth will be different. Primary teeth might only need a pulpotomy, while permanent teeth require total root canal treatment.

The severity of infection: The area with the infection or damage, the doctor would decide whether to start treatment right away because the bacteria are highly infectious.

Are There Alternatives to Root Canal Treatment?

For children with infected or damaged teeth, a few alternative treatments can solve the issue:

Tooth extraction: When the tooth cannot be restored, it is advised to remove it.

Pulpotomy: In the case of primary teeth, a pulpotomy allows the removal of the affected part of the pulp, the rest of the structure of the tooth is left in place until it is replaced by a permanent one.

Final Thoughts:

People in Islamabad generally use root canal treatment for adults. Children may need some time for both temporary and permanent teeth to set in. The patient can undergo the procedure to prevent losing a tooth due to caries,  or injury, and there is no age restriction for the process.

If you have a dental problem, you should visit Enfield Royal Clinics and consult with our best dental surgeon, Dr. Usama Hayat Ghouri. He will guide you better for what treatment you should opt for.