Sometimes our pediatric dentists see cases where a child’s tooth pulp has become damaged. These cases may require apexogenesis to support healthy root development or another type of vital pulp therapy. Vital pulp therapy is especially important when a young patient has damage to the root of a permanent tooth. If your child experiences extreme tooth pain, he or she may have root damage. It’s important to bring your child to see a dentist immediately for examination and treatment. Contact Lovett Dental Webster to learn more about root canal treatment.
Apexogenesis and Root Canal Treatment
A root canal is the most popular form of pulp therapy. A dentist performs a root canal when the patient has tooth decay or an infection in the tooth pulp. To preserve the health of the tooth, the dentist removes the infected or decayed portion of the root. This treatment prevents the infection from spreading to the healthy tissue. This eliminates the pain and sensitivity and prevents infection from persisting and spreading. Dentists perform root canals on adults and children. However, in children, there may be instances when a root canal is not the most appropriate solution due to the affected tooth’s stage of development.
In other cases, a dentist may perform apexogenesis to support the continued growth and development of the root’s apex. When a developing tooth requires endodontic intervention due to decay or injury, the tooth may have a much lower long-term success rate if the dentist caps the tooth with exposed, inflamed pulp. This particular type of vital pulp therapy involves removing the damaged pulp. They then sterilize the remaining tissue and place calcium hydroxide on it to minimize further damage to the developing tooth’s pulp. After the procedure, the patient may require follow-up visits every three months for monitoring.
It is critical that patients of all ages receive dental exams twice a year. This action allows for the detection of cavities before they spread to the root and require vital pulp therapy.
Helping Your Kids Avoid Tooth Root Damage
No one looks forward to needing a root canal or apexogenesis therapy. Fortunately, you can prevent tooth decay by implementing healthy dental practices into your daily routine. We will work with you to help you teach your children effective dental hygiene routines. These routines remove plaque and bacteria from their teeth and from below their gum lines. By brushing and flossing, your children can greatly reduce the risk of developing cavities. In some cases, children may be at a higher risk of developing cavities. We offer additional services like fluoride rinses and sealants, to help strengthen your children’s teeth. Occasionally, a patient may require orthodontic treatment to eliminate the “food traps” misaligned teeth may cause and which make brushing and flossing more difficult.
Sedative Dentistry for Children
Some of our pediatric and adult patients experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. We offer sedative dentistry options for adults and children who require more extensive treatment in the form of some of our specialty dental services. Moreover, our staff aims to make each visit you experience with us comfortable and educational. We will go the extra mile to help you understand every treatment option. In short, we want to empower you to make informed decisions about your child’s dental health.
Learn More About Apexogenesis at Lovett Dental Webster Today
The dentists at Lovett Dental Webster are among the most highly esteemed practitioners in the Houston area. As a result, whether you or your child require endodontics services, general dentistry, or more specialist dental services, our dentists have the training and experience to deliver effective solutions to meet your entire family’s dental and oral health needs. The dental services we offer include:
- Routine dental cleanings and exams
- Dental fillings and sealants
- Dental extractions and implants
- Teeth whitening and other cosmetic solutions
- Oral surgery
If you or your child currently have tooth pain, call Lovett Dental Webster at 832-932-5584, or contact us online. When you do, we will determine if root canal treatment or one of our other specialist dental services is appropriate for you.
