Ask the Dentist with Dr. Mark Burhenne

Episode #38: Should My Child Get A Root Canal?

Nov 30, 2021

19:57

Many people shudder when they hear the term "root canal", so, unsurprisingly, there is an even greater fear around baby root canals. In today's episode, Dr. B addresses this fear by answering a question about the risks involved in baby root canals, and how they work. From his position of expertise, Dr. B talks us through why a root canal is a great option, and how a baby root canal is not all that different. He defines the difference between a pulpotomy and a pulpectomy in kids, and how each of these can and should be done. We find out why Dr. B stopped using formocresol, and what he and his functional dentist colleague, Dr. Staci Whitman, use instead. We learn about the anatomical differences between baby and adult teeth, and why it's so crucial to treat damaged baby teeth rather than to simply extract them. To find out more about the root cause of a root canal, tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

An introduction to today’s topic: talking about root canals on baby teeth [0:00:12]
The question itself: ‘Are baby root canals the same as adult root canals in terms of any risks that they could run?’ [0:01:49]
Comparing the baby root canal to the adult root canal [0:02:37]
Why Dr. B stopped using formocresol in baby pulpotomies [0:03:25]
The difference between an adult and a baby tooth root canal [0:04:17]
How pulpectomies have changed over time: using an electrosurge and formocresol [0:07:19]
Why formocresol can be harmful [0:09:11]
What good dentists are now using instead of formocresol [0:09:56]
Why Dr. B doesn’t believe the rumors about root canals being bad for you [0:10:26]
Alternatives to a root canal in a kid and why these are not generally advised [0:11:06]
When to find a new dentist [0:13:13]
Other alternatives to formocresol [0:13:56]
The wrap-up of the episode and why it’s important to ask questions [0:14:48]
Why it’s best to see a functional dentist, and where you can find one [0:15:16]