Root canal or extraction

[AIS79]

Hi, hoping for some advise - my 13 has to have either a tooth extracted or have root canal treatment to save a back molar. The tooth had a temporary filling which then got infected. Has anyone had their child have any of these treatments done at that age, how did it go. Worried and want to make the correct decision.

Having had my own 3 attempts at RCT, but then ending up losing the tooth anyway, personally I’d still say it’s worth trying to save the tooth because if the tooth is gone, all the other teeth start moving and spreading.

I'm for the extraction- less time spent on the dentists chair

ask your dentist for a referral for an orthodontic opinion. extraction and space closure with orthodontic treatment (braces) may be an alternative option.

My DD had double root canal work done on her two front teeth when she was 10 as she smashed both of them up and they were adult teeth. She went through the whole thing with no bother at all. I have had it done and I think she coped better than I did.

I had a root canal at that age and it was fine. It’s normal to want to save the tooth unless there’s a reason not to?

honestly no - the teeth can move as the PP said, you can end up with much more hassle

Root canal on back molars can be quite tricky and unpleasant. Is your 13 year old ok to tolerate it? Has the dentist said what the chance of success is? Is it nhs treatment?

Thank you for the feedback, I was worried about him been so young and didn't want to scar him for life with dentists. think root canal is the best option.

It is on the NHS and she said there's 75% success rate. She's willing to do it on him as she said he is quite good with having treatments done