Root Canal Treatment

Toothaches, problems with chewing, tooth sensitivity, and gum inflammation may signal damage to the tooth's nerve and potential infection. Root canal treatment offers a valuable solution in these situations.

This dental procedure aims to preserve a child's tooth by removing infected or damaged pulp, the soft tissue within the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. By removing the infected tissue, the dentist can stop the spread of infection, alleviate pain, and save the tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Treating Tooth Decay in Children

Parents sometimes wonder: since baby teeth will eventually be replaced anyway, does it really matter if they get treated — or even extracted? The truth is, untreated decay in baby teeth can cause far more than just a toothache. Left unchecked, it can lead to difficulty chewing, speech problems, and complications that affect your child's overall health. That's why regular dental check-ups are so important, even from a young age.

Depending on how advanced the decay is, your paediatric dentist may recommend a filling, root canal treatment, or extraction.

How Are Fillings Done in Children?

Keeping your child comfortable and free from pain throughout treatment is our top priority. For this reason, a filling always begins with local anaesthesia applied to the area around the affected tooth. Once we're confident the area is fully numb, the decayed portion of the tooth is carefully removed. A bonding agent is then applied to help the filling material adhere, and the cavity is filled. The bite is checked and adjusted, and that's it — the filling is complete.

What Type of Filling Is Used for Children?

In paediatric dentistry, we use fillings that are biologically compatible, protective, and suited to the structure of both baby and permanent teeth. The most common types we use are:

Composite (White) Fillings: Tooth-coloured and natural-looking, composite fillings are safe for both baby and permanent teeth and are highly durable.
Compomer (Coloured) Fillings: Developed specifically for children, these fillings release fluoride and come in fun colours — blue, pink, orange — which can make treatment feel less daunting and more of an adventure.
Glass Ionomer Fillings: These bond chemically to the tooth surface and release fluoride over time, actively helping to prevent new decay from forming. A genuinely tooth-friendly option.
Stainless Steel Crowns: Used when a baby molar has lost too much structure to hold a conventional filling, or has already undergone root canal treatment. The crown covers and protects the entire tooth.

Why Might a Tooth Feel Sore After a Filling?

Children's teeth are more sensitive than adult teeth, and when work is done close to the nerve, some temporary sensitivity is completely normal. Think of a new filling a bit like a new pair of shoes — it takes a little time to settle in, and some mild discomfort during that break-in period is to be expected.

Occasionally, a filling may sit very slightly higher than the surrounding teeth. If this happens, your child may notice that the filled tooth feels different when biting. This is easy to detect and correct at the time of treatment, and just as straightforward to adjust later if it's noticed afterwards.

After a filling, the treated tooth may also be temporarily more sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks — ice cream being the classic culprit. This usually settles on its own within a short time.

What to do if the tooth is still sore after a filling: Most discomfort resolves on its own within a few days. Stick to soft foods in the first day or two. If the pain persists or gets worse, contact your dentist.

How Much Do Children's Fillings Cost?

The cost of a filling depends on the size and severity of the decay and the type of filling material used. As a general guide, composite fillings tend to be more affordable, while porcelain options sit at a higher price point. For current pricing at our clinic, please get in touch — we're happy to give you a clear picture after an examination.

Can Children Have Root Canal Treatment?

As paediatric dentists, we always aim to preserve baby teeth for as long as naturally intended. Losing a baby tooth too early can affect chewing, speech, and the path of the incoming permanent tooth — and if a space maintainer isn't fitted afterwards, neighbouring teeth can drift and cause crowding later on. Root canal treatment allows us to save the tooth and avoid premature loss wherever possible.

How Is Root Canal Treatment Done in Children?

Root canal treatment in children is a tooth-saving procedure that allows the tooth to continue functioning naturally. It's carried out when decay has progressed deep enough to affect the inner tissue of the tooth. The process has three straightforward stages:

Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia is administered before treatment begins, so the entire area is fully numb.
Cleaning: The decayed tissue and any infected material are carefully removed from the tooth and the root canals.
Restoration: Once the canals are clean, a specialised filling or crown is placed to restore the tooth's structure and protect it going forward.

Some children, due to anxiety or fear, may find it difficult to cooperate during treatment. In cases where multiple teeth need treatment or the child is very young, dental treatment under general anaesthesia may be considered. Known colloquially as "being put to sleep for dental work," this is carried out in a hospital setting. The child feels nothing throughout, and the paediatric dentist completes all necessary treatment in one visit while the child is under.

Can a 5-Year-Old Have Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment can be performed on baby teeth from as young as 3–4 years of age, whenever it is clinically necessary.

In a 5-year-old, root canal treatment may be considered if the child is showing signs such as severe toothache, swelling or redness of the gum, pain around a specific tooth, or sensitivity to hot and cold. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia.

Does Root Canal Treatment on Baby Teeth Hurt?

No — root canal treatment on baby teeth is not a painful procedure. Local anaesthesia is applied before treatment begins, fully numbing the tooth and the surrounding area so the child feels nothing during the procedure.

During treatment: Children may be aware of some gentle touch or pressure, but this is not pain.
If there is significant infection: Your dentist will use specialist numbing techniques to ensure your child remains comfortable throughout.
After treatment: Mild sensitivity over the following few days is normal and can be managed with appropriate pain relief.

Is There Pain After Root Canal Treatment in Children?

Severe or persistent pain after root canal treatment in children is not typical. In some cases there may be mild, temporary discomfort around the treated tooth, but this fades on its own over time.

Which Specialist Treats Children's Teeth?

Within dentistry, the branch dedicated to children's oral and dental health is called pedodontics (or pediatric dentistry), and the specialist who practises it is called a pedodontist. At KidsDent İstanbul, all children's dental care is provided by Dr. Dt. Esra Yeşilöz Gökçen.

What Should We Watch Out for After Root Canal Treatment on a Baby Tooth?

If a temporary filling was placed as part of the treatment, avoid hard foods for the next few days to prevent it from cracking or coming loose.

Ongoing dental hygiene is important after root canal treatment. Continue brushing with the toothbrush and toothpaste recommended by your paediatric dentist, and keep up with any follow-up appointments scheduled.