Pulp Therapy – Waverly, IA
We Can Relieve Your Child’s Toothache
Has your son or daughter been complaining about pain in one specific tooth? When an infection reaches the sensitive center of the tooth (called the pulp), it can result in a world of pain, since that’s where the tooth’s nerves are located. This may necessitate a treatment called pulp therapy. At Smiley Family Dentistry, Dr. Jonathan Smiley understands that this kind of treatment may be a bit unnerving for kids and parents alike; however, we use only the safest and gentlest techniques to make sure your child is comfortable enough in the dental chair to receive the care their growing smile needs. If your child is suffering from tooth pain, give us a call today to see whether they need pulp therapy in Waverly.
Why Choose Smiley Family Dentistry for Pulp Therapy?
- Experienced Dentist Who Genuinely Cares
- Gentle, Kind Dental Team
- Dental Insurance Accepted
What Is Pulp?
In the center of every tooth lies a collection of tissue, nerves, and blood vessels called the pulp. If decay or infection makes its way into this section of the tooth, it can cause serious discomfort or pain for your child. More often than not, it’s either decay or injury that results in the need for pulp therapy. Because kids are still developing their oral hygiene habits, the need for this treatment is fairly common, as their teeth are particularly cavity prone. Children are also more susceptible to oral injuries because of their active nature.
When Should a Child Undergo Pulp Therapy?
Oftentimes, pain does not appear until damage has reached the pulp, so it may be difficult to spot the warning signs. However, if your son or daughter begins displaying any of the following symptoms, call our office and schedule an appointment right away:
- Persistent, unexplainable pain
- Pain that prevents your child from sleeping
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages
- Unexpected loosening of a tooth
- Swelling near the affected tooth
- Red gums near the problem area
How Is Pulp Therapy Performed?
At Smiley Family Dentistry, our goal is to help your child achieve their healthiest smile while ensuring they’re as comfortable as possible. For this reason, Dr. Smiley will consider all variables before determining whether pulp therapy is necessary. If this is the case, you can rest easy knowing your little one will be comfortable and safe throughout their procedure and feel nothing at all as we treat their problem tooth.
First, we numb the area around the damaged tooth by administering a local anesthetic. We create a small hole in the tooth through which we remove the infected pulp, disinfect the area, and leave any remaining healthy pulp intact. Once this step is complete, we seal the tooth back up and restore it with a dental crown designed to seal it off from future damage or infection, allowing it to function and develop as it should.