AboutMark Bornfeld DDS Expertise I can respond to all questions dealing with the practice of dentistry, from both the dentist`s and patient`s perspective. I am knowledgeable about all dental disciplines, from cosmetic dentistry to surgery, from restorative dentistry to root canal treatment. I have strong opinions about controversial issues in dental practice, including those topics which directly impact on the reputation of the profession in the eyes of both the lay public and our health profession colleagues.
Experience
Past/Present clients Editor, Queens County Academy of General Dentistry newsletter; contributor to Dentistry.com 29 years practicing general dentistry partnered with brother Steve as one-half of the DentalTwins®
Question We are set to have root canals done on our 2 year old's four front teeth, along with fillings of the back teeth, under general anesthetic. The procedure is scheduled for 7 weeks from now. His front teeth are decaying pretty rapidly despite our frequent brushing and vigilance with his diet. One tooth has lost its enamel almost all the way around at the gumline. I'm thinking by 7 weeks from now, at least one of his middle front teeth will be about that far gone too. Does the amount of enamel remaining affect the decision to do or not do a root canal? Or can they do the root canals regardless and simply restore whatever enamel is missing afterward? Thanks for your time.
Answer Dear Jill,
Although the amount of remaining enamel may not directly affect whether root canal is feasible, it will definitely affect whether the tooth can be structurally re-built into a working tooth. So for practical purposes, if the tooth is too far gone to be re-built, there's no justification for doing the root canal. The alternative would be to remove the damaged tooth and consider whether some type of prosthetic device would be appropriate.
Hope this helps...
Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY
