Tooth Nerve Therapy
at Kids Teeth in Mt. Pleasant
Hearing your child may need a baby root canal — or any kind of tooth nerve treatment — can catch you off guard. You might be wondering what’s next, how your child will feel, and how long it will take to fix the issue. At Kids Teeth, we guide you through every decision so you feel confident and calm. Our pediatric dentists use tooth nerve therapy, including pulpectomies and pulpotomies, to treat pain, stop infection, and keep baby teeth in place long enough to support your child’s development. We offer care at both of our Mt. Pleasant locations — Johnnie Dodds and Park West — so you can pick a spot that works best.
What Is Tooth Nerve Therapy?
Inside every tooth is pulp — a mix of tissue, nerves, and blood vessels that help the tooth stay alive. When a cavity or injury gets deep enough to reach the pulp, your child might feel pain, swelling, or notice a tooth turning dark. Tooth nerve therapy treats the affected pulp, giving your child relief and helping the tooth stay where it belongs.
We offer two types of therapy, depending on how much of the pulp is damaged. A pulpotomy removes the top portion of the pulp in the crown but leaves the healthy part in the roots. A pulpectomy takes out all infected pulp from both the crown and roots. At Kids Teeth, we use child-specific approaches and materials designed for growing smiles — not just a smaller version of adult treatment.
Why We Try to Save Baby Teeth
Baby teeth play a big role in your child’s life. They hold space for adult teeth, guide speech, help with chewing, and provide shape to the face. Removing one too early can cause teeth to shift out of place, increasing the chance of crowding and orthodontic problems down the line.
Tooth nerve therapy lets us save these primary teeth until it’s time for them to fall out naturally. Keeping them in place supports a healthier bite, better nutrition, clearer speech, and smoother transition when the adult teeth are ready to come in.
How to Tell if Your Child May Need Tooth Nerve Therapy
Tooth nerve problems don’t always show up the same way. Some kids complain about a sore tooth at night or when eating something hot or cold. Others might stop chewing on one side or avoid certain foods. Their tooth may turn gray after a fall or injury. Sometimes, you’ll notice the gum near the tooth looks puffy or has a small bump.
Kids may not always explain pain the way adults do. That’s why we often rely on behavior, facial expressions, or mood changes to guide us. If you notice any of these signs, we recommend an exam. At Kids Teeth, we take time to talk with both you and your child to make sure we see the whole picture.
How We Diagnose Tooth Nerve Issues
We start by listening. We ask questions about the pain, when it started, how strong it is, and what seems to help. We also review your child’s dental and medical history to learn about past issues or treatments that could affect the tooth.
Our exam includes checking the tooth and gum, looking for visible decay, cracks, swelling, or infection. Then we take digital X-rays to see inside the tooth, checking the roots and surrounding bone. This tells us how far the decay has spread and whether the nerve is involved. If treatment is needed, we explain what’s going on in words you and your child can understand.
What Happens During a Pulpotomy
A pulpotomy is usually used on baby molars where the harm is limited to the upper part of the tooth. We numb the area using local anesthetic so your child stays comfortable. Next, we remove the infected pulp from the crown while leaving the roots untouched. Then, we place a medicated material over the healthy pulp to reduce inflammation and support healing.
We fit the tooth with a stainless steel crown, which covers and protects the tooth until it’s ready to fall out naturally. This crown helps your child keep chewing normally and prevents more decay from reaching the treated area.
When a Pulpectomy or Root Canal Therapy Is Needed
If the damage goes deeper and affects the pulp in the roots, a pulpectomy (sometimes called a baby root canal) may be the better choice. This involves removing all of the infected pulp from inside the tooth and roots, cleaning the canals, and filling them with child-safe dental material.
Permanent teeth with nerve damage may need full root canal therapy to avoid removal. We take that step only when it’s the strongest option to save the tooth for long-term health. The procedure is similar — we remove the infected tissue, clean and seal the area, then restore the tooth with a crown or filling.
How We Keep Kids Comfortable
We take your child’s comfort seriously. We numb the area first and test to make sure the tooth is fully numb before we begin. Your child may feel pressure, but not pain.
We use a simple method called “tell-show-do” to reduce fear. First, we tell your child what we’ll do. Then, we show them the tools — or practice on a toy. Finally, we complete the step. This keeps the visit calm and helps reduce fear of the unknown.
If your child feels nervous or has a hard time sitting still, we may recommend nitrous oxide or other safe sedation methods. We discuss all options with you ahead of time and review your child’s medical history to find the right fit.
What Recovery Looks Like After Nerve Therapy
After the treatment, your child might feel mild soreness in the area. We usually recommend soft foods for a day or two and may suggest over-the-counter pain relief based on their age and needs.
You’ll receive clear aftercare instructions before you leave. Look for signs of healing, and keep an eye out for swelling, increased pain, or fever. If anything seems off, we’re just a phone call away. We check the treated tooth at future visits to make sure everything stays on track.
How Tooth Nerve Therapy Promotes Healthy Development
When we save a tooth through nerve therapy, we help your child eat more comfortably, speak more clearly, and avoid crowding or bite problems as they grow. It also helps prevent infections that could spread to nearby teeth, gum, or bone.
Tooth nerve therapy is just one part of our full care approach at Kids Teeth. We combine it with regular checkups, cleanings, fluoride, sealants, and home-care coaching to support daily habits. We also monitor jaw development to catch potential orthodontic concerns early.
Visit Kids Teeth in Mt. Pleasant for Gentle, Effective Care
Families across Mt. Pleasant trust our Johnnie Dodds and Park West offices to deliver expert pediatric dental care. Both offices are easy to reach and offer the same high standards for child-focused treatment and technology. Digital records move smoothly between locations, so your child’s care stays consistent — even if your schedule changes.
Whether you’re in central Mt. Pleasant or further north, our locations are close to schools, sports events, and other family activities. We make it easier to fit dental visits into your routine without stress.
Let’s Ease Your Child’s Pain and Protect Their Teeth—Starting Today
If your child has tooth pain, swelling, or signs of deep decay, waiting can make things worse. Nerve therapy can stop infection, save the tooth, and help your child feel better fast. Contact us now to take the next step. You can get in touch to request an appointment at our Johnnie Dodds or Park West office. Don’t let one problem turn into many—let’s protect your child’s smile today.