When most people think of root canals or endodontic treatment, they picture adult patients. But sometimes, children and teens need endodontic care too — especially after dental trauma or deep cavities.
At Eastpoint Endodontics in Lehi, Utah, our team provides gentle, specialized care for pediatric and adolescent patients to help relieve pain, preserve natural teeth, and protect developing smiles.
What Is Endodontic Treatment?
Endodontics is a specialty focused on treating the inside of the tooth, specifically the dental pulp and root canal system. When the pulp becomes infected or damaged due to decay or injury, an endodontist can clean and restore the tooth rather than remove it.
For children and teens, endodontic care is especially important because their teeth are still developing — and saving a natural tooth whenever possible helps maintain proper bite alignment and jaw growth.
When Might a Child Need Endodontic Treatment?
While it’s less common for children to need root canal therapy, there are several situations where it may be necessary, including:
- Dental trauma or injury (such as a fall or sports accident)
- Deep cavities that reach the tooth’s pulp
- Cracked or fractured teeth
- Severe tooth pain or sensitivity
- Swelling or abscess near the tooth
Even baby teeth (primary teeth) can sometimes require treatment to relieve pain or prevent damage to the developing permanent tooth beneath.
Types of Pediatric Endodontic Treatments
At Eastpoint Endodontics, we provide a variety of gentle procedures depending on your child’s age, tooth development, and dental condition:
🦷 Pulpotomy (Partial Pulp Removal)
Used primarily for baby teeth, a pulpotomy removes the infected portion of the pulp while keeping the healthy portion intact — allowing the tooth to remain in place until it naturally falls out.
🦷 Pulpectomy (Complete Pulp Removal)
If the infection has spread through the pulp, a pulpectomy removes all of it, disinfects the canal, and seals the tooth.
🦷 Root Canal Therapy for Permanent Teeth
For older children or teens with permanent teeth, a full root canal may be necessary after injury or infection. Preserving these teeth helps maintain normal chewing, speech development, and self-confidence.
🦷 Apexogenesis and Apexification
These procedures help encourage or complete root development in young permanent teeth that haven’t fully formed yet. They allow the tooth’s root to strengthen and close naturally, reducing the need for extraction.
Why See an Endodontist for Pediatric Care?
Endodontists have advanced training in diagnosing and treating problems inside teeth — and that includes working with younger patients.
At Eastpoint Endodontics, we use specialized tools such as:
- 3D cone beam imaging (CBCT) for precise diagnosis
- Operating microscopes for delicate, minimally invasive treatment
- EdgePro® laser irrigation for advanced cleaning and disinfection
Our compassionate team ensures each visit is comfortable and calm, helping children and parents feel at ease every step of the way.
Caring for Pediatric Patients Across Utah County
Located in Lehi, Utah, Eastpoint Endodontics proudly serves families from Highland, American Fork, Saratoga Springs, Pleasant Grove, and throughout Utah County.
We frequently partner with pediatric dentists and family dentists who refer young patients needing advanced endodontic care after dental trauma or complex infections.
Whether your child chipped a tooth playing sports or is dealing with a painful infection, our goal is always the same — to save the natural tooth and protect their smile for years to come.
Schedule a Consultation
If your child is experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or has suffered a dental injury, don’t wait. Early evaluation by an endodontic specialist can make all the difference.
📍 Eastpoint Endodontics – Lehi, Utah
Proudly serving children, teens, and families across Utah County.
📞 Call today to schedule your consultation and learn more about gentle endodontic care for young patients.
Recent Comments