Is tooth extraction safe for a 4.5-year-old child?

Question

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?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

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.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

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 the 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 in, then the gap will definitely be reduced by half, and the premolar will erupt outside and tilted towards the lingual side. Premolars start coming out only around eight to nine years usually.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.