Elite Endodontics of NH Is The Only Endodontist Practice in New Hampshire That Treats Children

Endodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on the health of the teeth from the inside out. It is just as important for children as it is for adults, yet it seems that many endodontic practices don’t offer services for children. In fact, Elite Endodontics of NH is the only endodontic practice in New Hampshire that treats children. 

Is your child in need of endodontic treatment in Hudson, Hooksett, or the surrounding areas? Elite Endodontics of NH provides pediatric endodontics for young patients who need specialized care. 

What is Endodontics? 

Endodontics focuses on the soft tissue on the inside of a tooth called the dental pulp. The pulp is made up of blood vessels and nerves that sustain the tooth. Just like the bones of your skeletal system, your teeth are a living part of your body. This means they are susceptible to infection and other health problems. If bacteria invades the root canal, the inner chamber of a tooth that contains the dental pulp, it can become infected. An endodontist provides treatments and procedures that help preserve the health of your teeth with the goal of keeping them in place and functional in your mouth. 

What is Pediatric Endodontics? 

Pediatric endodontics refers to endodontic procedures that are specifically designed for children. Children’s teeth are susceptible to infection as well, both primary (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Many of the same procedures that are performed on adult teeth can also be performed on children’s teeth. 

Endodontic Procedures We Offer For Children

There are a few different endodontic procedures that may be used for children’s teeth to treat and prevent infection: 

• Vital pulpotomy. This procedure is essentially the same as an adult root canal. The pulp is removed from the inside of the tooth and the root canal is cleaned out and disinfected. The tooth is then filled with composite material to replace the pulp. The tooth is typically covered with a dental crown following a pulpotomy. 

• Direct pulp cap. When decay or damage to a tooth exposes the dental pulp, even slightly, the tooth is at risk of infection. A direct pulp cap may be used to prevent infection in this case. Antibiotics are applied to the pulp to prevent infection and the exposed portion of the tooth is filled with composite material. 

• Indirect pulp cap. When decay or damage to a tooth is close to the dental pulp but not yet exposing it, an indirect pulp cap may be used to prevent infection. In this case the decay is removed and the tooth is filled with composite material, but no medicine is applied. 
• Protective base. If there is tooth decay that may pose a risk of infection, a protective base can be applied before the filling to provide an extra layer of protection. 

When Does a Child Need to See an Endodontist?  

Many pediatric and family dentists perform root canals on children’s teeth. However, certain situations call for the expertise of a specialist to have the best chance of saving a tooth. Even baby teeth sometimes need endodontic procedures to treat and prevent infection while they serve their intended purpose. Before they fall out naturally, baby teeth serve as placeholders for the permanent teeth and allow children to develop proper speech and chewing habits. Every tooth is important, and endodontics helps keep them healthy. 

Schedule an Appointment Today 

If your child is in need of endodontic treatment, Elite Endodontics of NH provides pediatric endodontic services for children of all ages. We believe that baby teeth and permanent teeth are important for oral health, as well as a child’s overall health and wellness. We are currently the only endodontic practice in the state of New Hampshire who provides pediatric services, and we would be happy to welcome your child as a new patient. 

Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment at one of our two convenient locations.