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About Dr. Randolph Myerson
Expertise
Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.

Experience
I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.

Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.

Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.

You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Dentistry > Dentistry > pulpectomy

Dentistry - pulpectomy

Expert: Dr. Randolph Myerson - 11/9/2009

Question
Dear Dr.Myerson, My 8-year old daughter suffers from dental caries. She is having intense pain for the last 4 days in her upper left molar (position E). I have consulted a pediatric dentist and she started a pulpectomy after an X-ray revealed caries. My question is, is pulpectomy the standard procedure for milk teeth ? Is pulpectomy supposed to be painful ? The dentist gave my daughter antibiotics and an open dressing after the first sitting of pulpectomy, but she is still in pain especially after eating anything. Is this normal ? On another note, when is the right time to give my daughter braces to correct her raised upper front teeth ? I will be grateful if you could help me out with my queries. Yours sincerely, Joyeeta.

Answer
Pulpectomy is often necessary in the treatment of decayed permanent teeth. Because the decay, which is an infection, has become advanced there is often pain involved as the infection heals. With early detection and treatment of decay is is usually possible to avoid pulpectomy and the process is often without pain. That is why it is so important to have regular dental care and deal with problems before they become painful and more complicated.
The appropriate time to start orthodontic treatment will vary depending on the individual situation. Sometimes it is beneficial to start treatment at age 8 and other times is is more advantageous to wait until all the primary teeth have been lost. The best answer requires an evaluation with an orthodontist who can do an examination and advise you.

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