AboutStephen J. Moss Expertise I am a professor emeritus at New York University, with a background that includes extensive research, scientific writing and biology. I also am an international consultant in health education, particularly in developing education on new science for health professionals and consumers. I am a past president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, former head of the NYU Division of Oral Biology and I represent the World Dental Federation at the United Nations. I travel around the world to provide health education to professionals and consumers.
Experience Having retired from New York Universit, where I directed the pediatric dentistry training program, a walk-in dental clinic and research on oral biology, I formalized my professional and consumer health education initiative in the form of Health Education Enterprises. This entity consults and provides information on new science pertaining to oral and general health, particularly leading edge concepts that can be employed in the health professions to improve the public's health. As such, I am an expert in communicating new science and its usefulness to professional and lay audiences alike. I also had a pediatric dentistry practice in New York City for nearly 30 years.
Organizations I am affiliated with the American Dental Association, the World Dental Federation, the International Association of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry among other formal organizations. My experience has included a research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health and work at the Forsythe Dental Research Center
Publications lpha Omegan USA, Nowa Stomatologia Poland, Journal of Public Health Dentistry, The Journal of the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry USA, News Bulletin Japan, Journal of Marmara University Dental Faculty Turkey, Italian Journal of Paediatric Dentistry Italy, Asian Dentist Singapore, The Journal of the Israel Dental Association Israel, ROBRAC Brazil, Italian Journal of Paediatric Dentistry
Italy, FDI World, STOMA Portugal, Pediatric Dentistry The Philippines, Modern Stomatology Bulgaria, Journal of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry India
Education/Credentials I obtained a doctor of dental science (DDS) degree, a master of science degree and am a board certified pediatric dentist.
Expert: Stephen J. Moss Date: 7/15/2008 Subject: 2 year old daughter
Question My 2 year old fell and busted her lip, her front tooth was bleeding at the gum line. I took her in to the dentist, he was unable to even get my child to open her mouth. With out x-ray or much of a glance to her tooth, made suggestions of possible root-canal. When would a root-canal be the best option for a child who has hit her tooth? Is it over zealous to immediately "suggest" when you can hardly see what is going on in her mouth? The gum line appears clear today, however her tooth maybe moved back a small amount.
Answer dear Kristen,
In my opinion your instincts are correct.
suggesting a root canal after an injury on a two year old , without x-rays seems a little unusual. My sugestion, leave your daughter alone. in a few weeks , unless it is fractured
badly the tooth will tighten, re-align itself and everyone will forget about the instance.
Be patient it takes about a month to get completely better.
If after a month the tooth is loose and hurts take your daughter to a pediatric dentist.
From what you have described i dont think that will be necessary.
All the best,
Dr. Moss
