Root Canals

While a child needing a root canal is rare, sometimes they are necessary. A root canal is necessary when a nerve in the tooth is damaged and becomes necrotic. Coursing through the tooth's center, is a vital bundle of nerves and blood vessels that provides nutrients and sensation to each tooth. As long as the tooth stays healthy, you're rarely aware of the systems at work.

A fall or other impact to the mouth can cause a nerve to die. Tooth decay that goes too long without treatment can also cause a tooth to need a root canal. If Dr. Seiler determines that the nerve won't recover or infection is present, then root canal treatment may be suggested.

Modern anesthetics provide powerful numbing for gentle removal of the inflamed nerve inside your child's tooth. The nerve canal undergoes disinfection and careful shaping, and a sealer fills the internal space. A filling or crown over the tooth helps return the tooth to its original condition.

But Are They Safe?

Internet articles continue to circulate claiming adverse health effects from root canals, despite years of research proving otherwise. Many of these claims rest on unsubstantiated theories put forward decades ago without any scientific basis. They've been thoroughly debunked by the most credible sources, supported by unbiased research projects. In fact, one popular Facebook article sounding a false alarm shakily rests on a 100-year-old study tossed aside long ago.

New techniques and materials make root canal treatment more successful than ever.