Root Canals for ChildrenIn San Diego
What Is a Pediatric Root Canal?
A pediatric root canal is a treatment designed to remove infection or inflammation from inside a child’s tooth while preserving the natural tooth structure. When a tooth’s nerve becomes infected due to deep decay, trauma, or cracks, a root canal allows us to eliminate pain, stop infection, and help your child keep their tooth.
At Relieve Root Canal Specialists, our approach is centered on comfort, clarity, and compassion, especially for children who may feel anxious or overwhelmed by dental pain.
Signs Your Child May Need a Root Canal in San Diego
Here are some common symptoms that could indicate your child may need a root canal:
Persistent Tooth Pain
Ongoing pain that doesn’t go away, even when your child isn’t eating or drinking, may indicate nerve inflammation or infection.
Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
Lingering discomfort after exposure to hot or cold foods or drinks can be a sign that the tooth’s nerve is damaged.
Swollen Gums or Abscess
Red, swollen, or tender gums, or a small pimple-like bump near the tooth, can indicate an infection that needs prompt treatment.
Tooth Discoloration
A tooth that appears gray or darker than surrounding teeth may signal nerve damage following decay or trauma.

The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy for Children
Preserves the Natural Tooth
Saving your child’s natural tooth supports proper chewing, speech development, and spacing for adult teeth.
Relieves Pain Quickly
Removing the infected nerve tissue eliminates the source of pain and helps your child return to feeling comfortable and at ease.
Prevents Infection From Spreading
Prompt treatment helps stop infection from affecting nearby teeth or developing into more serious complications.
Our Approach to Pediatric Root Canals
At Relieve Root Canal Specialists, we understand that treating children requires more than technical skill. It requires patience, empathy, and trust. Dr. Makadia uses advanced tools such as CBCT imaging, dental microscopes, and laser-assisted disinfection to ensure precise, efficient, and gentle care.
For anxious children or complex cases, we also offer sedation options to help make treatment as calm and comfortable as possible.

The Pediatric Root Canal Treatment Process
Gentle Anesthesia & Comfort Measures
We begin by ensuring your child is completely comfortable using local anesthesia. We confirm numbness before starting any treatment.
Cleaning the Canal
A small opening is made in the tooth to remove infected pulp. The canal is then carefully cleaned and disinfected using advanced instruments and solutions.
Filling & Sealing the Tooth
The canal is filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to prevent future infection. A follow-up restoration may be recommended to protect the tooth long-term.
Have Questions?
Most pediatric root canals are completed in one visit lasting 60–90 minutes. We use laser-guided disinfection protocols to reduce treatment time and minimize the need for multiple appointments.
Most children experience mild tenderness for a few days following treatment, which is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. We recommend avoiding chewing on the treated tooth until it’s fully restored.
Once healed, a root canal–treated tooth can function normally and last for many years with proper care and regular dental visits.
Tooth infections do not heal on their own. Without treatment, infection can worsen, cause swelling, pain, and potentially impact surrounding teeth or overall health.
A root canal is often the most conservative and effective way to resolve the issue while preserving your child’s tooth. Extraction is typically considered only when the tooth cannot be saved.
Yes, most dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for pediatric root canal therapy. Coverage typically ranges from 50% to 80%, depending on your provider and policy.
Our experienced front office team is happy to verify benefits and explain coverage before treatment begins, so there are no surprises.
Absolutely. At Relieve Root Canal Specialists, we believe that no child should remain in pain due to financial uncertainty. We offer flexible payment options and third-party financing to help families move forward with care confidently.
From same-day consultations to child-friendly sedation options, Dr. Makadia and our compassionate San Diego team are committed to making treatment comfortable, both emotionally and physically. We will walk you through costs, timelines, and expectations with complete transparency.
After dental insurance is applied, the out-of-pocket cost for pediatric root canal therapy typically ranges from $200 to $900, depending on your plan and the tooth being treated. For example, if insurance covers 80% of a $1,200 procedure, your portion would be approximately $240.
Our goal is to remove fear from the treatment and from the process so your child can heal and move forward comfortably.
Ready to get started?
Don't let dental pain control your life. Contact Relieve Root Canal Specialists today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile.
