Root Canal in Milk Teeth — Is It Safe?What Parents in Tricity Need to Know to Save Their Child’s Tooth

Nothing worries a parent more than seeing their child in pain — especially tooth pain.

When a deep cavity reaches the nerve of a baby tooth, parents often hear: 

“Your child needs a root canal.”

This can feel overwhelming, but here’s the truth:

 Root canals in milk teeth are safe, quick, and often the best way to save a baby molar — preventing pain, infection, and early tooth loss.

Why Would a Baby Tooth Need a Root Canal?

When deep decay or infection reaches the nerve (pulp), the tooth must be treated — or it will cause:

• Pain

• Swelling

• Difficulty eating

• Damage to nearby adult teeth

• Early tooth loss → space loss → orthodontic problems later

  
  

According to AAPD pulp therapy guidelines, root canal treatment for milk teeth is needed when:

• There is deep decay involving the nerve

• The child has night-time or spontaneous pain

• Sensitivity that lingers

• A dental abscess or gum boil develops

• Trauma injures the baby tooth

• X-rays show nerve inflammation or infection

Pulpotomy vs Pulpectomy: What’s the Difference?

Baby teeth need different types of nerve treatments than adult teeth.

1️⃣ Pulpotomy

Used when:

Infection is limited to the top portion of the nerve (coronal pulp).

What happens:

• Only the infected upper portion is removed

• Root portion stays intact

• Medicated dressing (MTA, Biodentine) placed

• Stainless steel crown (SSC) protects the tooth

2️⃣ Pulpectomy

Used when:

Infection has spread throughout the entire nerve.

What happens:

• Entire pulp tissue removed

• Canals cleaned and shaped

• Filled with resorbable material (safe for kids)

• Crown placed afterward

📊 Pulpotomy vs Pulpectomy

Feature	Pulpotomy	Pulpectomy
Infection Level	Upper nerve only	Whole nerve infected
Procedure Time	Shorter	Slightly longer
Pain Relief	Excellent	Excellent
After-Treatment	SSC crown needed	SSC crown needed
Success Rate	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Materials Used	MTA / Biodentine	Resorbable filling material

Why Saving Baby Teeth Matters

Parents often ask:

“Why treat baby teeth if they fall out?”

Because baby molars stay until ages 9–12, and losing them early can cause:

• Space loss

• Crooked adult teeth

• Need for braces later

• Difficulty chewing

• Speech issues

• Poor jaw development

  
  

👉 Root canal treatment keeps the tooth until its natural time to fall out.

What Does a Root Canal Appointment Look Like?

1. X-ray and Examination

Determines if it’s a pulpotomy or pulpectomy.

2. Local Anesthesia

Numbs the area → painless for the child.

3. Removing the Decay

All infected tooth structure is cleaned.

4. Nerve Treatment

Pulpotomy: removes upper pulp

Pulpectomy: cleans entire canal

5. Filling the Space

Safe, child-friendly materials are used.

6. Stainless Steel Crown Placement

This is crucial because it: 

✔ Protects the weakened tooth

 ✔ Prevents cracks 

✔ Stops bacteria from entering 

✔ Ensures long-term success

7. Bite Check and Reassurance

Child leaves pain-free and comfortable.

⏱ Total Time: 20–30 minutes per tooth

🛡️ Are Root Canals Safe for Baby Teeth?

Absolutely.

According to AAPD, pediatric root canals are:

• Safe

• Predictable

• Designed specifically for children

• Effective at relieving pain

• Supported by decades of research

  
  

Materials used are resorbable — they do NOT harm the developing adult tooth beneath.

Tricity-Specific Insights

Pediatric dentists across Chandigarh, Mohali & Panchkula commonly see deep cavities due to:

• Nighttime bottle-feeding

• Sweetened milk, gripe water

• Frequent snacking

• Sticky sweets

• Poor brushing routines

• Delayed first dental visit

• Missed early signs of decay

  
  

By the time families seek care, the nerve is often involved — making pulpotomy or pulpectomy necessary.

Related Services at Tricity Smiles Dentistry

1. Pulpotomy (Kids’ nerve treatment)

2. Pulpectomy (Kids’ root canal)

3. Stainless steel crowns

4. Tooth-colored fillings

5. Infant & toddler dentistry

6. Early childhood caries treatment

7. Emergency dental care

   
   

If your child is experiencing pain or deep decay, a root canal may be the best way to save the tooth safely and gently.

⭐ What Our Patients Say

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “My daughter had severe tooth pain, and Dr. Sandhu explained the root canal process so nicely.The treatment was quick and she was completely comfortable. The crown looks great and she can eat normally again.”-Mrs. Neelam

About Dr. Sandhu & Tricity Smiles Dentistry

Dr. Sandhu is a US-trained dentist with 20+ years of experience, specializing in pediatric restorative dentistry and pain-free nerve treatment.

Tricity Smiles Dentistry is known for:

• Gentle behavior guidance

• Evidence-based decisions

• Long-term, child-centered care

📍 House No. 109, Sector 28-A, Chandigarh 

📞 +91-7686828000 

🌐 https://www.tricitysmiles.in

📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WQGZKryUBPBN954F9

❓ FAQs

1. Does a root canal in milk teeth hurt? 

No — the tooth is numbed, and children tolerate it very well.

2. How long does a baby tooth root canal last? 

Usually until the tooth naturally falls out.

3. What happens if we don’t do the root canal? 

Pain, infection, swelling, early tooth loss, and orthodontic issues.

4. Is a crown necessary afterward? 

Yes — it protects the tooth and prevents reinfection.

5. Can antibiotics replace treatment? 

No. They only control infection temporarily; the nerve still needs treatment.

🔗 Related Topics

• Stainless Steel Crowns

• Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

• First Dental Visit

• Healthy Snacks for Kids

📚 References

1. AAPD Pulp Therapy Clinical Guidelines

2. PubMed Pediatric Endodontics Reviews

3. AAPD Position Papers on Pulp Treatment