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Is RCT safe for my 2.5-year-old son?

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My two-and-a-half-year-old son has a problem with four teeth (front, above) and doctors are suggesting RCT (root canal treatment). Here are my questions.

  1. Can RCT be done for such a small child?
  2. Will it affect his next teeth at around 7 years of age?
  3. Is there any alternative for RCT available, as he is the least cooperative?
  4. The doctors are saying that general anaesthesia will be needed for RCT. Is it safe?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Thomas

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Naveen Thomas is an expert in Dentistry. He is experienced and well-versed in all treatment modalities of Dentistry.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

If he is not cooperating then root canal treatment is very difficult for him and he would need to be sedated. You can delay the treatment by taking antibiotics and Paracetamol for a week. This will give relief for some months. Also, use a good toothpaste to prevent further cavities. In small children, proper root canal treatment need not be done but a procedure called pulpectomy can be done to give relief for a few years.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answered by
Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At February 3, 2018
Reviewed At November 24, 2025

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Naveen Thomas is an expert in Dentistry. He is experienced and well-versed in all treatment modalities of Dentistry.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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

Dr. Naveen Thomas

Dentistry

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Naveen Thomas is an expert in Dentistry. He is experienced and well-versed in all treatment modalities of Dentistry.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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