HomeAnswersPediatric Dentistryroot canal treatmentCan root canal treatment be done on a small kid?

Can root canal treatment be done on a small kid?

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Published At February 3, 2018
Reviewed AtJuly 11, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My 2and 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 alternate for RCT available as he is least cooperating?
  4. The doctors are saying that general anaesthesia will be needed for RCT. Is it safe?
Answered by Dr. Naveen Thomas

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.

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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