Is a root canal for children needed for severe tooth decay?

Question

Hi doctor,

My two-and-a-half-year-old daughter has tooth decay on the front four teeth due to night feeding. She recently had severe swelling of her right cheek and below the eyes. The doctor had suggested antibiotics. She had no pain. The swelling came down in three days, and we also completed the five-day antibiotic course.

Later, we visited our pediatric dentist, who suggested four root canals through GA (general anesthesia). I have my reservations about GA.

Is it possible to continue without a root canal?
Can we try a medication and filling followed by regular visits?
What are the complications if we do not do the root canal?
Can we manage the condition until she turns five and then get a permanent extraction done?

I request help with an alternative therapy, please.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read the query, and I can understand your concern.

1) If you are uncomfortable with GA or general anesthesia, you can refuse it and ask whether it can be treated under local anesthesia or nitrous oxide inhalation. If not, I suggest you make it a habit to brush every day after feeding. Do it yourself, as the baby will not be thorough.

2) The teeth will break down and remain as a root stump. Therefore, it is manageable until she turns five and becomes cooperative with the dentist. The teeth will fall off by six to eight years.

3) If she had taken antibiotics, there would have been no infection or swelling for the next few months. When it happens again, take a five-day course of antibiotics.

There is no need for general anesthesia if you are not comfortable, as it has its own risks involved. So, better avoid it.

I hope this will help you.

Thank you.