If you’re a parent and you’ve just been told your child may need a root canal, it’s completely normal to feel unsure — or even a bit alarmed. Many parents hear “root canal” and instantly think of an uncomfortable adult dental procedure. But here’s the good news: pediatric root canals are very different, much gentler, and absolutely designed with children in mind.

At North Calgary Pediatric Dentistry, our goal is to help parents understand why kids sometimes need root canals, what the procedure actually involves, and how it protects your child’s long-term oral health. We believe parents deserve clear, calm, and evidence-based explanations — the kind that help you make confident decisions for your child.

So let’s break it down, step by step.

Why Would a Child Need a Root Canal?

It may surprise some parents that baby teeth — which eventually fall out — sometimes require root canal treatment. But baby teeth play a much bigger role than simply holding space until the adult teeth arrive.

Children may need a root canal when a tooth has:

• Deep decay
 • A large cavity close to the nerve
 • A dental infection
 • A fracture or trauma
 • Severe sensitivity or persistent pain

Here’s the key point:
Baby teeth matter. A lot.

They guide jaw development, support speech, allow proper chewing, maintain spacing, and prevent crowding of the adult teeth. When a baby tooth is lost too early, neighbouring teeth can drift out of place, leading to future orthodontic complications.

A pediatric root canal saves the natural tooth until it’s ready to fall out normally — protecting your child’s comfort, function, and long-term bite development.

Signs Your Child Might Need a Root Canal

Parents often first notice symptoms like:

• Ongoing tooth pain
 • Sensitivity to hot or cold
 • Swelling around a specific tooth
 • A pimple-like bump on the gums
 • Discomfort while chewing
 • Darkening or discoloration of a tooth
 • Pain that wakes them up at night

Kids often don’t describe pain the same way adults do. Sometimes they just say “my tooth feels funny” or “it hurts when I eat on this side.” Trust your instincts — if something seems off, it’s worth getting checked.

At North Calgary Pediatric Dentistry, we use child-friendly diagnostic tools to see exactly what's happening inside the tooth — quickly, comfortably, and without stress.

What Actually Happens During a Child’s Root Canal?

Parents are often relieved when they learn how simple the process is.

A pediatric root canal is much gentler than an adult root canal. Kids’ teeth have shorter, smaller roots, and the treatment is usually quicker and easier for them to tolerate.

Depending on the situation, your child may need:

1. A Pulpotomy
This is the most common. Only the infected or irritated part of the nerve is removed, and the rest of the tooth’s nerve remains healthy. This keeps the tooth alive, stable, and comfortable.

2. A Pulpectomy
This is used when the entire nerve is affected. All of the nerve tissue is cleaned out, and the inside of the tooth is filled to keep it stable until it’s naturally replaced by the adult tooth.

After either treatment, the tooth is usually restored with a protective crown to keep it strong and prevent future damage.

Parents are often surprised that kids tolerate the procedure exceptionally well — especially with pediatric techniques, tools, and calming behaviour guidance.

Is a Root Canal Really Necessary?

Many parents wonder:
 “Why can’t we just remove the baby tooth?”

Great question — and sometimes, extraction is the right choice. But often, keeping the tooth in place is the best option.

Here’s why:

• Baby teeth hold important space for adult teeth.
 • Losing a baby tooth too early can cause alignment and bite problems.
 • Premature extraction may lead to orthodontic treatment in the future.
 • Saving the tooth helps maintain proper speech development.
 • A root canal relieves pain and restores normal function immediately.

Each situation is different. That’s why we never recommend a root canal unless it’s the healthiest, safest, most predictable option for your child.

How North Calgary Pediatric Dentistry Makes the Experience Comfortable

Our entire clinic — from the layout to the language we use — is designed around helping children feel safe and calm. When a child needs a root canal, here’s how we ensure the experience goes smoothly:

• Gentle, child-centered communication
 • Tell–Show–Do techniques to build trust
 • Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) for relaxation when needed
 • Local anesthesia delivered with child-friendly methods
 • Short appointment times
 • A calm environment and comforting staff

Kids are remarkably resilient — they handle this far better than most adults expect.

Your Child’s Comfort and Future Smile Matter

Root canals for kids aren’t scary — they’re a proactive way to stop pain, save a tooth, and protect your child’s long-term oral development. When handled by a pediatric dental team, the procedure is smooth, gentle, and surprisingly stress-free.

If your child has been showing signs of discomfort — or if you’ve been told they may need a root canal — we’re here to answer your questions and walk you through every detail.

At North Calgary Pediatric Dentistry, your child always comes first.

Healthy teeth today mean a healthier smile tomorrow.
Make an appointment today!