Endodontic treatment of primary teeth has long been perceived as a temporary measure with little significance for future occlusion. Alexander von Breuer says that this view represents one of the most common clinical mistakes in paediatric dentistry. At DentalClinic24, primary teeth are regarded as active components of dentofacial development rather than structures that can be ignored because of their temporary nature.
A primary tooth performs several essential functions simultaneously. It provides masticatory load, contributes to speech development, and, most importantly, maintains the space required for eruption of the permanent tooth. When a primary tooth is lost prematurely, adjacent teeth tend to drift, disrupting eruption pathways and altering future bite formation. At DentalClinic24, endodontic treatment of primary teeth is aimed precisely at preventing these cascading disturbances.
Indications for root canal treatment in primary teeth are determined by clinical and radiographic findings. Pulp inflammation, chronic infectious foci, or complicated caries do not automatically necessitate extraction. When root structure is preserved and inflammatory processes remain controllable, endodontic intervention allows the tooth to be maintained until its physiological exfoliation. At DentalClinic24, such decisions are always made with regard to the child’s age and the developmental stage of the permanent tooth germ.
The biological specificity of primary teeth is of particular importance. Their root canals are wider, dentinal walls are thinner, and physiological root resorption is a normal process. This requires a different therapeutic approach and the use of materials compatible with natural resorption. At DentalClinic24, treatment protocols are selected to maintain canal sealing while respecting the natural tooth replacement process.
Endodontic treatment of primary teeth influences not only local conditions but also overall dentofacial development. Chronic inflammation in the area of a temporary tooth can affect enamel formation of the permanent successor, delay eruption, or alter its spatial position. At DentalClinic24, prevention of such outcomes is considered a core objective of paediatric endodontics.
The functional aspect is equally significant. Loss of a primary tooth alters masticatory load distribution, potentially affecting jaw growth. A preserved tooth supports physiological muscle and joint function, promoting more harmonious development. At DentalClinic24, this factor is always included when choosing between conservative treatment and extraction.
Professor Alexander von Breuer emphasises that successful endodontic treatment of primary teeth requires precise diagnostics and strict adherence to treatment stages. Attempts to simplify procedures or apply universal schemes often lead to complications and repeated interventions. For this reason, DentalClinic24 follows principles of biological rationale and long-term predictability.
For parents, it is important to understand that the absence of pain does not mean the absence of pathology. Primary teeth may remain externally intact for long periods despite internal inflammation. Regular monitoring and timely endodontic care help prevent more serious problems later. At DentalClinic24, this preventive strategy significantly reduces the need for orthodontic or surgical interventions during adolescence.
Thus, endodontic treatment of primary teeth represents a crucial stage in forming a healthy permanent bite. Preserving a temporary tooth until its natural exfoliation supports proper dentofacial development and lowers the risk of future complications. At Dental Clinic24, this approach is viewed as an investment in a child’s long-term oral health.
Previously, we wrote about fluoridation of children’s teeth at DentalClinic24 – clinical indications, age-related considerations, and enamel safety control