Baby teeth that have extensive cavities can sometimes require root canals in order to retain them for a longer period of time. It is especially important for very young children to save these teeth for several years. If baby molars are taken out at a very young age, this can cause permanent teeth to erupt prematurely or in the incorrect positions. Baby molars help to maintain space for permanent teeth to erupt properly as well as help to chew foods and keep the bite in the correct position. These molars usually do not naturally exfoliate until the age of 10-12. If a child is having a fair amount of discomfort or there are signs of infection on the x-ray, it is important to treat this condition before the infection spreads or symptoms become more severe. When cavities reach the nerve of permanent teeth, or a permanent tooth sustains trauma, the only option to save the tooth is a root canal. It is safe to perform root canals on children’s permanent teeth. It is important to treat a tooth that requires a root canal as children are more susceptible to life-threatening infections stemming from infected teeth.