My 4 years kid has several cavities. Doctor suggests to do root canal of 7 teeth. Should we go for it? How he will bear that pain?

Question

Hi, I am a pediatric dentist. From your query, it is understood that your child has multiple decayed teeth which we refer to as early childhood caries or nursing bottle caries. If the teeth is not treated now, it may gradually lead to loss of teeth before the age of tooth exfoliation. All the milk teeth are suppose to be present until a specific age to help in childs speech, to chew food, growth of the jaw and face. If the tooth is lost at an early age, there will be specific dental abnormalities in future. So, root canal should be done as advised by the doctor. Please understand that root canal is not a painful procedure if done by experienced hands, and if the child is cooperative, treatment can be completed by multiple visits. If the child is scared and extremely uncooperative, there are other treatment options too. I hope, the queries are cleared. To know more, please consult online.

Anisha Nanda · Accepted Answer

Hi, I am a pediatric dentist. From your query, it is understood that your child has multiple decayed teeth which we refer to as early childhood caries or nursing bottle caries. If the teeth is not treated now, it may gradually lead to loss of teeth before the age of tooth exfoliation. All the milk teeth are suppose to be present until a specific age to help in childs speech, to chew food, growth of the jaw and face. If the tooth is lost at an early age, there will be specific dental abnormalities in future. So, root canal should be done as advised by the doctor. Please understand that root canal is not a painful procedure if done by experienced hands, and if the child is cooperative, treatment can be completed by multiple visits. If the child is scared and extremely uncooperative, there are other treatment options too. I hope, the queries are cleared. To know more, please consult online.

Pranav Dungarwal · Answer

Yes definitely. It is done under anaesthesia. No worries.

Anirudh Koul · Answer

I believe there are two parts to this question a) if you got the correct advice b) if its possible. I'll answer the second first. Pediatric dentists handle children as young as 3 days old. Rct in 4 years old is very common and possible. However the child's compliance can not be predicted. Hence ait is strongly advised to get the procedure done by a pediatric dentist/pedodontist. A) you have yourself written that the kid has cavities. I have no reason to believe that any wrong advice was given. In kids caries proceeds very fast and small cavities can in few weeks to months damage entire teeth (hence requiring rct. However, in case of further clarity you can always seek assistance of a pedodontist for a final diagnosis (i am assuming the dentist you met is not a pedodontist. Incase they are- then you can go ahead)