“My daughter is 5 years old and has been recommended a root canal surgery. What should I do?”
My daughter is 5 years old and has been suffering from teeth sensitivity. The doctor has recommended that she undergoes a root canal surgery. What are the repercussions of having one at this early age?
5 Answers
This was likely recommended due to decay in the tooth approaching the nerve. It's not extensive. This procedure is call a pulpotomy. This is usually done to avoid extraction which will lead to loss of space for the permanent tooth that will follow.
The baby teeth are important to try to keep as they guide the adult teeth to come into place correctly. Try to let them save it if they can!
If her teeth are still primary or baby teeth, pulpotomies can be done to eliminate pain and tenderness. Often a stainless steel cap is placed over the primary tooth if there is significant decay to protect the tooth structure until the falls out on its own when the permanent tooth erupts. I don't think that a "root canal" in the traditional way is being done on primary teeth. You may want to seek out a Pedodontist for a second opinion.
I don't have all the facts, what is "Root Canal Surgery". What is the reason for this surgery on a five year old? Ordinarily, root canal surgery is applied to adult teeth.
If it is a baby tooth, they simply remove the pulp. It is best to retain baby teeth as long as possible. Without seeing x-rays, it is hard to give proper advice for your child.
