My Child Has Pain After Their Pulp Therapy – Is This Normal?

You may or may not already know that some discomfort is to be expected after your child’s pulp therapy. But your parental sixth sense is going off. Something’s not right.

You could very well be correct. There is a level of dental discomfort that could point to a more complicated issue than expected post-treatment soreness. It’s always a good idea to call your pediatric emergency dentist if you’re unsure. But as they say, knowledge is power. We’ve got some pulp therapy details that will help you feel more informed.

What Does it All Mean? Decoding Your Child’s Dental Discomfort

It is normal for your child’s tooth to be a little tender. However, these more dramatic symptoms are a sign you should call your pediatric emergency dentist right away:

• Severe pain (i.e. if it keeps your child up at night, is distracting, or causes distress)
• Fever
• Swelling, especially around the treatment site
• Uneven bite (your child might complain the treated tooth doesn’t “feel” or “sit” right)
• Feelings of sickness or general malaise

These discomforts could indicate that your child has an infection. You’ll want to see your pediatric emergency dentist as soon as possible, as infections can cause more problems the longer they linger. Fortunately, clearing your child of dental infection simply involves re-cleaning their treated tooth.

When Aches Last Longer Than They Should

If your little one isn’t experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s still worth getting a checkup, especially if their discomfort continues after a few days. General aches could indicate:

• There’s some leakage from the treated tooth
• Your child has bacteria build-up from poor oral hygiene
• The sealing material or tooth is damaged
• There’s an obstruction in the treated tooth’s canal
• There’s an extra canal in the treated tooth

In both cases, your child’s pulp therapy complications won’t go away on their own! Which is why you should…

Keep Your Emergency Pediatric Dentist in The Loop

You can call your emergency pediatric dentist without having to commit to an in-office visit. Explain your child’s situation in as much detail as possible. Your pediatric dentist will be able to tell you if you should bring your child in and how soon you should seek care. They can also instruct you on alleviating your child’s pain, so that if they determine the situation is urgent, they don’t have to endure the car ride without relief.

Even if your child’s dental discomfort is normal after pulp therapy, it’s a good idea to attend any follow-up visits your pediatric dentist might schedule. That way, your pediatric dentist can double-check the treated tooth and ensure things are still going smoothly. Just remember that it’s their job to take care of your little one’s oral health, and if you ever have any questions or concerns, they’ll be happy to help!

About the Author

Dr. Allen Pearson is a highly qualified, board-certified pediatric dentist. He knows firsthand how intimidating a dental visit can be for kids, which is why he dedicates his practice to helping them feel safe and comfortable during their treatment. If pulp therapy complications have your little one on edge, ask for Cooper, the office therapy dog. Both Dr. Pearson and Cooper will help you and your child through any dental emergency! To contact Dr. Pearson’s office, call 972-429-7070 or visit his website.