A root canal on child depends on the type of tooth being treated and the amount of development of the tooth root having the root canal. A child tooth root canal is significantly different than an adult root canal. A baby tooth is meant to fall out when the underlying adult tooth erupts into its place. Adult tooth eruption occurs from age six to about age thirteen. The adult teeth come in as the child's mouth grows larger and accommodate the larger tooth.

         The purpose of a root canal on child tooth is to keep the baby tooth healthy enough to last long enough to hold the dental arch space until the adult tooth takes its place. This avoids all of the complications of early tooth loss. The baby tooth root is much smaller than its corresponding adult tooth root and it is designed to dissolve away over time. The filling material used on a baby tooth must be able to dissolve when the adult tooth crown pushes on the baby tooth root.

          Unfortunately, a root canal on child tooth may involve an adult tooth that has erupted into place. If the adult tooth root has fully developed and the end of the root is closed, the root canal is the same as any other adult tooth. However, many adult teeth are not fully formed and these teeth require special root canal procedures to encourage the complete development of the unformed root even though the tooth is dead. In many cases, the root canal has to be complete years later when the end of the root fully forms.

          The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. We offer cosmetic and family dentistry for patients of all ages. If you are concerned about a possible root canal on child tooth and would like a free dental consultation with Atlanta Family Dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky or our root canal dentist, Dr. Jefrrey Stephen Smith, call 404-874-7428 for an appointment.