Nerve Treatments (Pulpotomies) in Prosper, TX

If the cavity has already grown large, and is close to the nerve of the tooth, a “nerve treatment” may be necessary. Most parents think this procedure will be more uncomfortable for their child, however, this is not the case. Once your child is numb (just like for a filling), he/she doesn’t notice the difference in this procedure. In most cases, once a nerve treatment is needed for a tooth, a subsequent crown will be placed on that same tooth, to seal out any bacteria and continue to protect it.

Nerve treatments for children, sometimes called pediatric endodontic treatments, are performed at WindHaven Pediatric Dentistry in Prosper, TX to protect and preserve an infected tooth that puts the nerve at risk. Benefits of pulpotomy or other nerve treatments include:

• Pain relief: Minimizes pain caused by dental infections or damaged teeth.
• Infection control: Controls the spread of infection, potentially leading to more severe health complications.
• Preservation of natural teeth: Helps save the child's natural teeth whenever possible. This helps maintain the child's normal chewing function and speech development and preserves space for any permanent teeth.
• Developmental health: By preserving the natural tooth structure, endodontic treatment supports the normal development of a child's jawbone and facial structure.
• Preventive care: Regular visits to a WindHaven Pediatric Dentistry allow for early detection and intervention, which can prevent the need for more invasive endodontic treatment.
• Psychological benefits: Early positive experiences with dental care can help children develop good oral hygiene habits and reduce dental anxiety.

WindHaven Pediatric Dentistry normally recommends nerve treatments for children who experience pain or sensitivity to hot and cold as a result of a cavity that cannot be alleviated by a simple dental filling or a crown. If your child has any of the above symptoms, our pediatric dentists will perform an examination and discuss the best plan moving forward. We may take images of your child’s teeth to help us understand the source of their pain and whether nerve treatment is appropriate. Our goal is to find the best solution for your child’s dental health.

Dental nerve treatment for children performed at WindHaven Pediatric Dentistry typically involves a pulpotomy. However, pulpectomy and apexification are also endodontic treatments that can be performed on children. Each procedure aims to treat the cavity and preserve infected teeth. In a pulpotomy, the dentist removes the infected pulp from the tooth's crown, applies a therapeutic dressing, and usually covers the tooth with a crown. A pulpectomy involves cleaning and disinfecting the entire pulp chamber and filling it with a resorbable material, usually followed by placing a crown. Apexification is used when the tooth's root formation is incomplete, aiming to stimulate a calcified barrier at the root tip. In some cases, less invasive treatments like indirect pulp treatment or direct pulp capping can be used. The specific treatment depends on the severity of the infection or damage, the child's age, and their stage of tooth development.

After nerve treatments, children may experience numbness from the local anesthetic, which usually wears off after a few hours. There might be mild discomfort or sensitivity in the treated area for a few days, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. For proper healing, good oral health habits must be maintained. In the case of a pulpotomy or pulpectomy, a crown is usually placed over the treated tooth, and the child can expect normal tooth function after a short adjustment period. Regular dental follow-ups are crucial to monitor the healing and progress of the treatment.

How do I know if my child has a cavity?

It is important to take your child to the dentist regularly for professional cleaning and check-ups. A pediatric dentist like Dr. Lee can detect tooth decay during a routine exam before small problems become big ones. If you notice that your child has tooth pain that won't go away or is constantly chewing on one side of the mouth, they may have a cavity. Please call us for an appointment.

Can I treat a cavity on my own?

You can never treat a cavity on your own. If left untreated, tooth decay will continue to spread into the sensitive nerves of the tooth and cause pain. Our goal at WindHaven Pediatric Dentistry is to save your child's natural teeth through nerve treatment. We can provide tips and advice for keeping their teeth cavity-free for years to come.

How do we clean or care for a crown?

Crowns are durable and can be cleaned just like your other natural teeth. Remember to have your child brush and floss their teeth every day! Our pediatric dentists in Frisco, TX, can provide advice about cleaning techniques if something feels stuck between the crown and your child's gums or if a piece of food is lodged between the teeth.