[albion67]

Hi, about 15 months ago my son had an accident and ended up with a broken tooth, we got him to a dentist who built his tooth back up and all was fine. Over the last week or two he has been complaining of pain in the tooth, we got him back to the dentist ( not the same one as he had left the practise ) and they have said that he needs root canal surgery. When I asked if there was any other way of helping my son they said no. He is 10 years old and very frightened! Could anyone offer us any help, Thanks.

[prosman]

you could see a dentist who specialises in children, failing that an expert who limits there practice or has a special interest in children

there are many techniques for treating nervous children of which these expert dentists will be able to advise you and then you will be able to make an informed decision

[albion67]

Thanks for your reply, we have been told that he has to go to Birmingham Childrens Hospital but we have to wait 4 to 6 weeks for an appointment. Just wondering if you could give us any advice as to any alternatives to root canal and any advice as to how to help my son deal with the pain while we are waiting for him to be seen. Thanks.

[prosman]

Originally Posted by albion67

Just wondering if you could give us any advice as to any alternatives to root canal and any advice as to how to help my son deal with the pain while we are waiting for him to be seen. Thanks.

Not much else as an alternative apart from extraction, unfortunately. Antibiotics may help for the short term, but treatment is what is needed

[albion67]

Thanks again for your reply, thats what I thought you would say. He has no infection but I will ask the doctor to see him as he may have some pain relief that he can give him. I'm also going to go back to the dentist today to see if they can hurry things along for him. Just wondering after the root canal I have been told that the tooth will go dark, are there treatments that can cure this? Many thanks for your advice.

[Dr Sepehrara]

Hi

In some situations, a root treated tooth can go dark after it has been treated. My advice would be observe for a period of time that the treatment has been succcessful and if the tooth goes dark, then you have the option of internal bleaching, veneer or crown.

[steven02]

I agree with Dr. Sepehrara. It's important you observe then seek proper treatment.

[prosman]

Originally Posted by albion67

Thanks again for your reply, thats what I thought you would say. He has no infection but I will ask the doctor to see him as he may have some pain relief that he can give him. I'm also going to go back to the dentist today to see if they can hurry things along for him. Just wondering after the root canal I have been told that the tooth will go dark, are there treatments that can cure this? Many thanks for your advice.

modern root canal treatment is very good now days and the tooth if not dark already will be unlikely to go black unless certain sealers are used.

not wanting to be too much of a party pooper, but it is unlikely that this tooth will see him through his days and he will need further treatment in the future to replace this tooth when it ultimately fails.

[albion67]

Hello again, I understand that he will eventually need more treatment but hopefully this will be when he is much older and able to undersand and not be so scared! I know that each case is different but roughly how long does a root canal tooth last and what further treatment my be required. Thank you again for your advice.

[Dr Sepehrara]

Hi

unfortunately it is very difficult to answer that question as there are many variables. Root treated can last from 5 years to 20 years. I have seen many patients whose have lasted longer that 20 years.

My advice would be to see someone whose success rate in root canal is high or see an endodontist.