An excellent pediatric dentist doesn’t merely examine the surface of a child’s teeth. They also take a close look at the pulp, the inner section that’s composed of nerves and tissues that supply nutrients and oxygen to teeth. Sometimes — often as a result of substantial decay or injury — the pulp becomes exposed. Without proper dental care, this leads to inflammation, infection, and even tooth loss. When a children’s dentist identifies this issue, they will recommend a form of pulp therapy.

Also known as a root canal or nerve treatment, pulp therapy encompasses several pediatric dentistry procedures. Even if one of a child’s primary teeth is affected, it’s important to address this health issue before they lose the tooth. While primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, eventually fall out, they are needed for chewing, speech, and the correct alignment of other teeth.

The pulp therapy your pediatric dentist recommends will depend on the section of the pulp that is affected. If the root hasn’t suffered decay or damage, the dentist merely will remove the top portion of the pulp. After the procedure, they will seal the gap to prevent further infection.

When decay is severe, a dentist will remove all the pulp, including the roots. This dental care procedure might require more than one visit. Once it’s complete, the dentist will fill the area, preserving the tooth and guarding it against decay.

The best way to avoid the need for pulp treatment is to ensure your child sees their dentist on a regular basis and has good oral hygiene habits. If your child has been experiencing frequent, unexplained dental pain, schedule an appointment for dental care as soon as possible.

For more than 25 years, the professionals at Pedodontic Associates have been providing families on Oahu and Maui with high-quality dental care for their children. Visit them online to learn more about what they can do for your kids. To schedule an appointment for dental care, call (808) 735-1733 in Honolulu, (808) 487-7933 in Aiea, or (808) 877-0066 in Kahului. Follow them on Twitter for tips and updates from their oral health professionals.