ENDODONTICS
Pediatric endodontics: gentle root canals for kids
Baby root canals, pulp therapy, and permanent-tooth root canals — done gently to save the tooth and stop the pain.
When decay or injury reaches the nerve of a tooth, endodontics saves it instead of pulling it. Dr. Navreet Sidhu, your pediatric dentist in Paramus, NJ, performs baby root canals, vital pulp therapy, and root canals on permanent teeth — gently, with saving your child's natural tooth as the goal.
What's included
Baby root canal (pulpotomy)
A baby root canal treats decay or infection in a primary tooth by removing only the top portion of the nerve. The natural roots stay in place and resorb on their own when the permanent tooth is ready, which prevents early tooth loss.
Root canals for permanent teeth
When the pulp of a permanent tooth is infected or inflamed, endodontic treatment removes it to save the natural tooth and relieve pain. Done well, a root canal for a child is gentle, not something to fear.
Vital pulp therapy
When pulp is exposed by injury or decay, vital pulp therapy removes the damaged tissue and applies medicated materials to help the tooth heal. It keeps the tooth alive and avoids a full root canal when possible.
What to expect at the visit
- 1 We numb the tooth well and explain each step in words your child understands.
- 2 We remove only the infected part, then protect the tooth — often with a crown.
- 3 We keep the visit calm and unhurried, and send you home with clear aftercare.
- 4 You get honest guidance on whether the tooth can be saved or is better replaced.
Why parents choose Say Cheez for this
- Families across Bergen County trust Dr. Sidhu's gentle approach to root canals.
- We explain everything and keep kids calm — even for treatment that sounds scary.
- Parents tell us their child was comfortable from start to finish.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What is a baby root canal, and when is it needed?
A baby root canal, or pulpotomy, treats infection or deep decay in a primary tooth. It removes the infected part of the pulp while keeping the rest of the tooth, which prevents early loss and holds space for the permanent tooth.
Are root canals safe for children?
Yes. Root canals are safe and effective when done by an experienced pediatric dentist. Dr. Sidhu uses gentle, modern techniques so the treatment is comfortable and saves the natural tooth.
How is a baby root canal different from a regular one?
A baby root canal treats only the top portion of the pulp, so the tooth can still fall out naturally later. A root canal on a permanent tooth removes all of the pulp tissue.
What is vital pulp therapy?
It's a conservative treatment used when a permanent tooth's pulp is exposed by injury or decay. It preserves the living tissue inside the tooth so it can heal and keep working, without a full root canal.
How do you keep my child comfortable during treatment?
We use kid-friendly techniques, a calm environment, and gentle explanations, along with numbing, so your child feels supported. Nothing happens without them knowing what's coming first.