HomeAnswersPediatric DentistrypulpectomyIs it wise to extract a decayed molar tooth in a 5-year-old kid?

Is root canal treatment not advisable for molar abscess in a 5-year-old child?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At August 25, 2020
Reviewed AtJuly 11, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

This is for my 4.5-year-old son. His lower first molar has decayed and developed an abscess. Our dentist recommended to get it pulled and root canal should not be done. I want to check if that is the right approach, and can a spacer be avoided if it pulled out eventually?

Answered by Dr. Naveen Thomas

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Usually, such milk teeth can be saved by doing pulpectomy (similar to RCT) and then putting a metal crown over it to prevent further decay. Consult a pedodontist who does it. It is better to avoid removing the tooth at this age. If you decide to get it removed, then spacer would be required to allow the permanent tooth to grow beneath it.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

If you check the x-ray, the root is also damaged on the decayed tooth on one side. Would pulpectomy still be possible on it? If the tooth is removed, can we avoid using a spacer?

Answered by Dr. Naveen Thomas

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thanks for the x-ray (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

The root is not damaged but resorbed a little bit, but it does not affect pulpectomy procedure, so it can be done. Still, it is my opinion but each pedodontist has a different view and they will guide you accordingly.

No, if the spacer is not put then the gap will definitely be reduced by half, and the premolar will erupt outside and tilted towards the lingual side. Premolar starts coming out only around 8 to 9 years usually.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Naveen Thomas
Dr. Naveen Thomas

Dentistry

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