Pulp Therapy – San Ramon, CA

Helping Preserve Growing Smiles

closeup of young boy smiling

When your child has a toothache, it’s hard not to feel for them. At Gale Ranch Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we know how difficult it is to see little ones in pain, which is why we’re proud to provide multiple dental treatments to address dental issues and help growing smiles stay healthy. Sometimes, this includes pulp therapy in San Ramon, a specialized procedure that can save damaged teeth and support proper oral development. To learn more about how this treatment works, continue reading or give our office a call.

Does My Child Need Pulp Therapy?

child smiling while visiting dentist

Tooth pain is a common sign that pulp therapy or a root canal may be needed, but it isn’t always required for these procedures to be necessary. When a tooth becomes deeply infected or damaged, reaching the pulp (the soft, sensitive center of the tooth) treatment is essential to prevent further problems. At this point, pulp therapy or a root canal is often the best solution to save the tooth and relieve discomfort. Our team will carefully examine X-rays of your child’s teeth to assess the extent of the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on their unique needs and situation.

The Pulp Therapy Process

young child smiling while visiting dentist

During the procedure, we prioritize your child’s comfort, using sedation dentistry to ensure they feel relaxed. Once your little one is settled, we begin by using specialized tools to access the inside of the tooth and remove the damaged pulp. Afterward, the tooth is filled to restore its strength and structure.

Unlike traditional root canals, pulp therapy typically doesn’t require a crown to be placed on the treated tooth. This is one key difference between the two procedures. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible while preserving your child's natural tooth.

The Benefits of Getting Pulp Therapy

young child smiling and giving thumbs up while in dental chair

Often, the alternative to pulp therapy is extracting the tooth entirely. While removing a baby tooth might not seem like a big deal since they fall out eventually, these teeth play an important role in guiding the alignment of permanent teeth as they develop beneath the gums. Additionally, permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime. Losing one early can affect both self-confidence and cause functional problems, like difficulty eating.

Pulp therapy and root canals save millions of teeth each year from extraction. Rest assured – our team is especially gentle with patients, ensuring the procedure goes as smoothly as possible. Fortunately, this treatment isn’t typically considered painful, as we ensure your child is completely comfortable throughout the entire process.