WWYD- root canal for DS

[elektra]

About two weeks ago, I noticed that DS's front tooth was turning gray. I figured that it was probably from getting hit in the mouth with a baseball a few weeks prior to that.
So I took him into the dentist and the dentist thought that was probably what had happened.
He said the tooth would get darker (it has a bit) and that it was at a larger risk for infection.
I am probably not explaining it right but I think the inside of the tooth is dying. It could remain fine but that if it does get infected, it could affect his permanent tooth coming in. It would also stay discolored.
To repair it, it would require what the dentist said amounted to a root canal, where they would suck out the pulp of his current tooth and fill it with some kind of white stuff.

Should I just go ahead and get it fixed or leave it alone?
I am a little scared for DS! I have only had minor dental work- besides my wisdom teeth out, I have only had a few cavities filled.

[crl]

I would definitely get a second opinion before having a kid have a root canal. It's not pleasant ime.

Catherine

[hillview]

our neighbor's son (8 years old) had a root canal on Friday, we saw him Sunday and it was "no big deal" in his case he had a random tooth growing and it needed to be pulled.

[elektra]

Our dentist actually is sending us to a different dentist for a second opinion. While our dentist can see kids for cleanings, check ups, and probably fillings, he felt we should go to a pediatric specialist for what he thought was probably needed.

I guess I am hesitant to even see the second dentist if I do not want to go through with the procedure.
I guess I could just go for the consult, and not plan on doing the procedure that same day.

[Katigre]

How old is he? I would take the "wait and see" approach and probably pull the tooth if it gets infected.

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[elektra]

How old is he? I would take the "wait and see" approach and probably pull the tooth if it gets infected.

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He just turned 4. So it could be several years before his adult teeth grow in, if we decide to just pull it.

[Philly Mom]

My friend's kid knocked her tooth at the same age. It was a front tooth. They eventually decided to pull it. She looked cute.

[o_mom]

He just turned 4. So it could be several years before his adult teeth grow in, if we decide to just pull it.

We left DS3's in. 6 mos later it got infected and had to come out. He was 4.5 when it was pulled and just now at almost 6 one of them grew back (they pulled both to keep the space even). The one that was infected hasn't made an appearance yet, but I think I can feel it there - we go to the dentist next week and hopefully they can tell us if it is coming in.

[MommyofAmaya]

Ds's front tooth tuned grey after a day at a bouncy gym, but no obvious accident. Dentist took a "wait and see" approach b/c the root still seemed alive per the x-ray. We are still waiting two years later and the color has returned to almost normal. Hope you have a similar result!

ETA: At the time, I remember my dentist saying that she didn't do and doesn't recommend "baby root canals" but I don't remember why... maybe b/c they are going to fall out anyway.

[Tondi G]

We had a different experience but DS had a weird cavity kind of between his teeth and then started having pain. The dentist was going to try a cap on the tooth but said the root was shallow on one side and didn't know if it would hold up to having a cap put on. He ended up having a Pulpotomy or pulpectomy (can't remember which but it was essentially a baby root canal) and then they just filled it with composite filling. They said if it didn't hold they would have to pull it and put in a space maintainer thing. So far so good .... it has been 2 years!

Get the second opinion ... see what they think. You can always hold off.

[Twoboos]

Definitely go to the consult for a second opinion! An endodontist might be able to do something to save it with less trauma.

[cuca_]

My 5 year old has had a grey tooth since age 2. We've had 2 different pediatric dentists during that period due to moves, and they both took the wait and see approach. I was told to look out for an abscess and bring him in immediately if one developed. So far, the tooth remains grey, but there is no sign of infection. I would get a second opinion before going ahead with a root canal.

[Nyfeara]

We just went through this as well. DS1's tooth started turning gray, our regular dentist referred us to a ped dentist for evaluation of pulpectomy vs extraction. The ped dentist was so much more relaxed about the whole thing. There is no indication of infection by examination or x-ray. He is taking the wait and see approach as well. He gave us a list of things to watch out for that would indicate infection. He said in most cases, it turns out fine & the color lightens back up some.

We are just going to wait it out.

[arivecchi]

I'd definitely see a pediatric dentist. DS1 had something similar happened. I think he fell when he was 2 or 3 and his front teeth were black after the fall. The pediatric dentist examined the teeth and decided to wait and see. They eventually cleared up a lot (they still have a yellowish tint), but they are still there!