Dubai, UAE – Most people think of a root canal as a dental procedure that is specific to adults. This is not true. While most individuals get root canal therapy between the ages of 12 to 65, it is a very safe and necessary procedure to treat deep cavities and is recommended to patients of all ages. The procedure involves removing part of the infected nerve inside a decayed tooth and filling it to seal the gap. A tooth-shaped covering called a ‘cap’ is placed over this restored tooth for it to be long-lasting.

Dental decay can start at any age. Many parents, especially first-time parents may not be aware of the fact that babies who just got their first teeth are also prone to cavities if not cared for. Ideally, parents should start taking their little ones for their regular dental checkups with a pediatric dentist in Dubai from the age of one or when their first teeth come in, whichever comes first. Missing out on dental appointments and overlooking dental hygiene can cause babies to develop cavities.

During the check-up, your kid’s dentist will help you understand your little one’s oral development better. The dentist will also do a full checkup of your little one’s teeth, looking for signs of cavities among other potential issues.

“Cavities in baby teeth must never be ignored,” says Dr. Yasmin Kottait, one of the best pediatric dentists in Dubai, currently associated with myPediaclinic. “If your baby has developed cavities, it can lead to dental loss if left untreated. While smaller cavities can be easily fixed with fillings, deeper ones may require a baby root canal.”

It’s natural to feel taken aback when you hear that your little one requires a root canal. As there are many misconceptions about this procedure going around, it’s time to put your minds at ease by giving you 10 reasons to take the recommendation of the pediatric dentist and get the procedure done at the right time.

Babies are more prone to developing cavities
As surprising as this sounds, babies are indeed at higher risk of developing cavities. Compared to adults, they have a thinner layer of enamel. Babies also have frequent feedings of milk (breastmilk or formula)- sometimes throughout the night as well which all contribute to the possibility of decay. Younger children also remain at risk for cavities as they tend to snack a lot and lack cooperation for brushing. If your child does develop cavities, it needs to be treated at the earliest.

The root canal is safe for babies and younger children
Deeper cavities in your child’s teeth may require a root canal. If your kid’s dentist does recommend this treatment, fret not. The root canal is safe for babies and kids and will help remove the decay and restore their natural milk teeth.

A root canal saves their baby teeth
As already mentioned, the root canal saves your baby’s milk teeth. It stops your little one’s tooth pain, removes abscess infections, and restores the tooth until it is time for it to fall off naturally; which takes us to our next point.

Saving milk teeth through root canal supports healthy oral development
Not many parents know the importance of restoring and retaining milk teeth. There is a common misbelief that since milk teeth fall off after a while, it’s okay to overlook cavities and subsequent tooth loss. Pediatric dentists note that losing milk teeth before time impacts healthy oral development. This is because these teeth act as a blueprint for the permanent teeth and hold the place for them until the latter is ready to come out. Losing baby teeth earlier than they are meant can interfere with actions such as chewing and biting, impact speech development and lead to malocclusion in the future, which in turn may require long-term dental treatments.

Getting a baby root canal helps protect the gum and bone
Tooth decay, if left unattended can lead to gum infection. To keep the gums and underlying bones healthy and strong enough to support oral development, baby root canal is the best solution. Restoring the decayed tooth early on will therefore ensure gum and bone health, allowing the permanent teeth to come out with issues.

Recurring tooth pain, gum tenderness, and swelling are common signs of an infection and may require a root canal treatment
These are some of the classic symptoms of dental decay. As the bacteria-causing cavities colonize inside the mouth, your baby’s oral pH lowers and becomes acidic. The acid eats away at the enamel, which in turn causes tooth pain and gum tenderness. Severe cases can lead to infection and subsequent symptoms such as fever.

If your child’s tooth has turned darker after getting hit, it could point to internal damage requiring a root canal for correction
Toddlers and younger children meet with small accidents and mishaps as they explore and find their way around the world. According to AAPD, the mouth is found to be the second most common area of injury in children between the ages of 0 and 6 years, with dental trauma injuries accounting for 18% of all physical injuries. If your little one had a dental trauma and seems to have a tooth that has turned dark, it could be a sign of internal nerve damage requiring root canal therapy.

A root canal is done under anesthesia and nitrous oxide
Since a root canal is a lengthy procedure and causes some discomfort to young patients, it is always done under anesthesia to block out pain sensations. Additionally, pediatric dentists in Dubai may also use nitrous oxide or laughing gas to help your child relax and stay calm during the procedure.

Baby root canal treatment is highly effective in retaining your child’s natural teeth and relieving them of pain and discomfort
Baby root canal treatment is safe for your little one as it’s done using materials and procedures that are compatible with children and their bodies. No technique or tool used for the procedure causes them discomfort. The root canal can be done in a pediatric dental clinic in Dubai as an outpatient procedure, relieving your little one of pain and discomfort and retaining their milk teeth.

Root canal treatment for children is performed by a specialist pediatric dentist
A baby root canal is a specialized procedure that requires specific education and training. The procedure is therefore performed by a specialist pediatric dentist. At myPediaclinic, Dr. Yasmin Kottait leads the procedure, ensuring the best results for your child.

For more information, contact myPediaclinic in Dubai today.

About My Pedia Clinic:
myPediaclinic is a multi-specialist pediatric clinic in Dubai offering a wide range of healthcare services for young patients. The specialties include pediatrics, orthodontists, pediatric dentistry, and nutrition. As one of the most trusted and kid-friendly clinics in the country, the doctors and staff at myPediaclinic are focused on delivering quality treatment and consultation for the long-term health and well-being of their patients.