Once a myth starts circling around, it’s difficult to eradicate it. For instance, root canals or pulp therapy for kids have the unfortunate and inaccurate reputation of causing pain, but in reality, these procedures relieve it and save teeth from extraction. Pulp therapy involves removing the ailing tooth’s nerve, thus eliminating the source of the child’s pain. In other words, pain is not common at all after pulp therapy!
However, if your child undergoes this procedure, there are some symptoms you might see afterward. Some are normal and not concerning while other more serious ones need to be addressed right away. Keep reading to learn what these symptoms are and what you should do!
Common Symptoms After Pulp Therapy
Below are a couple of frequently experienced symptoms following pulp therapy that shouldn’t worry you as a concerned parent.
Tenderness in the Mouth
As careful and gentle as the pediatric dentist works in your child’s mouth, other oral nerves are bound to sense something going on nearby, even though your child won’t feel it right away. As a result, when the anesthetic wears off, their other teeth or gums may feel slightly tender or sore. Fortunately, this sensation shouldn’t last long and shouldn’t interfere with normal functions.
Sore Jaw
Don’t be surprised if your child’s jaw feels sore after this procedure. After all, your child probably isn’t used to having their mouth open for such a long time! While not necessarily pleasant in the moment, this symptom should be temporary and fade after a day or two.
In these situations, your pediatric dentist may recommend feeding them softer foods for a couple of days. If these symptoms persist longer than that, you may need to consult with your provider.
Worrisome Symptoms After Pulp Therapy
In contrast, if your child has any of these symptoms that can prevent them from being able to function, contact your pediatric dentist immediately.
- Severe or worsening pain.
- Fever.
- Notable swelling in your child’s face.
- An uneven or uncomfortable bite because of the restoration.
Depending on the situation, your pediatric dentist may prescribe antibiotics, perform additional treatment, adjust the restoration, or do whatever is necessary to identify and fix the problem.
In the end, you can approach pulp therapy confidently. In the strong majority of cases, the procedure is completely successful, helps kids keep their natural teeth and stops their pain. Knowing what symptoms to look for in the aftermath can put you both at ease in their recovery.
About the Practice
At Wash Park Pediatric Dentistry in Denver, Dr. Patrick Bowman and Dr. Kathleen Waguespack have decades of dental field experience and a passion for helping little ones, children, and teens keep their smiles healthy. As board-certified pediatric dentists, they are specially trained for this age group as well as for working with those with special needs of all kinds. To schedule an appointment with our team, contact our office online or call 720-647-6310.