Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 7/12/2006

Question
Hello,
 My son went to visit a pedodontist yesterday and apparently the x-ray showed that he needed 6 fillings and two root canals. Thank goodness we have insurance. I was wondering if root canals for toddlers are common, and if it is as traumatic on the tooth as it is for adults. Furthermore, is a baby tooth more prone to cavities that reach the nerve, considering the smallness of the tooth? Lastly, if he gets root canals, will this compromise the health of his adult teeth? They say ketamine will be used, is this the safest sedative for toddlers of his age?

Answer
root canals can be done on baby teeth. they are a little simpler than those done on permanent teeth. they are done so that these teeth can stay in longer...until they naturally should fall out. you do not want them out this early. yes...you are correct with your observation that decay moves quicker on a baby tooth and gets very deep very quickly. you cannot wait around too long with decisions here. these root canals will not harm the developing permanent teeth. having infection in there could do something. as far as your last question goes, i leave the sedative decisions up to the dentist who is doing the work. it has to be something that he/she feels comfortable using and has a LOT of experience using. good luck with all of this. i hope your son does well!

jeff dalin, dds