Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 9/1/2005

Question
Hi. My 5 year old has what looks like a cavity on one of her back bottom molars. We took her to a local pediatric dentist and was shocked to find out her diagnosis called for a complete root canal, cap and all. We thought this was a little aggressive given the size of the cavity, which seems to be a very small portion of her tooth. Since this is her first dental experience, is there a more reasonable way to treat this tooth without all of the trauma.
 Obviously, we are seeking another opinion. We felt this was a simple drill and fill cavity. Do you do many of these procedures on kids?

Answer
Sam,
I cannot give you a definitive diagnosis over the Internet. The diagnosis can be made from the xray of the tooth. If this dentist took an xray, have her show you the xray and show you how the decay is into the nerve. If she made the diagnosis without an xray then definitely get a second opinion. You cannot make that call without an xray. I would get the second opinion. It will make you feel better about what is going on. I work on a lot of kids. If decay enters the nerve a pulpotomy has to be done. This is a root canal on a baby tooth. If it is large but not into the nerve, I prefer to just do a filling. If the tooth is sore or a fistula or pimple forms next to the tooth, then a root canal can be done at that time.

I hope I did not overload you with information here. The summary of all of this is as follows: have your dentist show you the xray and have her show you where the decay goes relative to the nerve. Get a second opinion to put your mind at ease. Good Luck!!!

jeff Dalin, DDS