I was told my child needs a lot of treatment. Can I get another dentist's opinion?

Opinions on treatment scope can differ between clinics, so seeking an additional opinion based on diagnostic evidence (photos and X-rays) is one way to check. Having the criteria for observation vs. treatment and the split between covered and non-covered items explained also helps the decision.

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Fear of Cavity Treatment in Children: Overtreatment Concerns, Sedation Safety, and Deciding on Baby Tooth Treatment

Published October 1, 2026 Updated October 1, 2026 Based on official HIRA and Ministry of Health and Welfare data and public sources

In the analysis of patient comments about Pediatric Dentistry, Fear of cavity treatment formed a question cluster of about 150 comments. Baby tooth cavities are treated by observation, fillings, or root canal treatment depending on depth. Covers why crowns are advised, sedation safety, and early childhood cavities. SOURCE Analysis of patient comments on YouTube dental content (DentStat) · public sources listed under References · Data as of June 28, 2026

Key facts

Baby tooth cavity treatment	Diagnosed and divided into observation, partial filling, or root canal treatment depending on progression ^[1]
Sedation and general anesthesia safety	Accompanied by pre-procedure assessment, fasting instructions, vital sign monitoring, and emergency preparedness ^[2]
Health insurance	Baby tooth root canal treatment and prefabricated metal crowns are covered by National Health Insurance ^[3]
Early childhood cavities	Can occur even around 30 months due to night feeding, sugar, and insufficient brushing ^[1]
Volume of parent questions	150 comments about fear of cavity treatment and suspected overtreatment ^[4]

The dentist recommended root canal treatment or a silver crown just from a photo. Isn’t that overtreatment?

Depending on whether the cavity has reached the nerve, root canal treatment or a prefabricated metal crown (silver crown) may be needed, so the starting point for judgment is checking the diagnostic evidence [2]. Baby teeth have thinner outer layers (enamel and dentin) than permanent teeth, so cavities spread quickly to the nerve, and when nerve involvement is confirmed, treatment is sometimes finished with root canal treatment followed by a prefabricated metal crown covering the tooth [2]. On the other hand, early-stage cavities may be watched or treated with a partial filling, so not every cavity is treated the same way [1]. Baby tooth root canal treatment and prefabricated metal crowns are classified as covered items under National Health Insurance (paid in part by Korea’s public insurance) [3]. The way to check is to have the treatment scope explained with evidence such as photos and X-rays, and to seek an additional diagnostic opinion when opinions differ between clinics [2].

When DentStat analyzed 150 parent comments about children’s cavity treatment on YouTube dental content, the questions repeated along three lines: suspicion of overtreatment (“they recommend root canals and silver crowns just from a photo”), anxiety (“does such a young child really need this”), and the view that it is pointless (“baby teeth fall out anyway”) [4].

Can a child as young as 30 months get cavities?

Yes. Cavities at an early age are described as early childhood caries, caused by a combination of night feeding, sugary drinks, and insufficient brushing [1]. Leaving cavities in baby teeth untreated not only causes pain and infection but can also affect the permanent teeth growing underneath and the alignment of the teeth (bite), so the idea of “leaving it because the tooth will fall out anyway” has weak support [1]. However, observation and treatment are distinguished by how far the cavity has progressed [1], and fluoride use and diet management that reduce cavities in the first place are the way to lower the treatment burden [1].

Is sedation or general anesthesia safe for a young child?

Sedation is considered when a young child has difficulty cooperating and the treatment scope is large, but it is not needed in every case [2]. Sedation and general anesthesia are accompanied by safety measures such as a pre-procedure health and airway assessment, fasting instructions, monitoring of vital signs like oxygen saturation and pulse during sedation, and equipment and staff prepared for emergencies [2]. In DentStat’s analysis, many of the comments about sedation and anesthesia were expressions of anxiety following news reports of fatal accidents [4]. A process in which parents receive an explanation of the method, risks, alternatives, and stopping criteria and give consent comes first, and you can ask to confirm the safety management system before the procedure [2].

Does my child have to use laughing gas (nitrous oxide)?

Nitrous oxide inhalation sedation (laughing gas) is one method to reduce mild anxiety and gagging, and it is not required for every treatment [2]. Inhalation sedation is done while the child stays conscious with reflexes intact, which distinguishes it from sedation that lowers consciousness or from general anesthesia [2]. Whether it is used depends on the child’s cooperation and the treatment scope [2], so asking for an explanation of the need and alternatives helps the decision [2].

Common myths and facts

Myth	Fact
Baby tooth cavities don’t need treatment because the teeth fall out	They can cause pain and infection and affect permanent teeth and the bite, so leaving them has weak support [1]
Pediatric dentists always treat with root canals and silver crowns	Treatment is diagnosed and divided into observation, partial filling, or root canal treatment depending on cavity depth [2]
Sedation and anesthesia are simply dangerous	They are considered when safety requirements are met, and an explanation of need and alternatives comes first [2]
A 30-month-old cannot get cavities	Early childhood caries can occur due to night feeding, sugar, and insufficient brushing [1]

For treatment and prevention of children’s cavities and how health insurance applies, see the pediatric dentistry guide, and for dental clinics by region, see Find a Dentist. The coverage criteria in this article follow materials from the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the National Health Insurance Service [3].

Frequently asked questions

The dentist recommended root canal treatment or a silver crown just from a photo. Isn't that overtreatment?: Depending on whether the cavity has reached the nerve, root canal treatment or a prefabricated metal crown (silver crown) may be needed. However, early cavities may be watched or treated with a partial filling, so ask for the treatment scope to be explained with diagnostic evidence such as photos and X-rays, and if opinions differ between clinics, you can seek an additional diagnostic opinion.
Can a child as young as 30 months get cavities?: Yes. Cavities at an early age are described as early childhood caries, caused by a combination of night feeding, sugary drinks, and insufficient brushing. Left untreated, they can cause pain and infection and affect the permanent teeth and bite, so reducing their occurrence through fluoride use and diet management is the way to lower the treatment burden.
Is sedation or general anesthesia safe for a young child?: It is considered when a young child has difficulty cooperating and the treatment scope is large, but it is not needed in every case. It is accompanied by safety measures such as a pre-procedure health and airway assessment, fasting instructions, vital sign monitoring during sedation, and emergency preparedness, and it is preceded by a process of explaining the method, risks, alternatives, and stopping criteria and obtaining consent.
Does my child have to use laughing gas (nitrous oxide)?: Nitrous oxide inhalation sedation is one method to reduce mild anxiety and gagging and is not required for every treatment. It is done while the child stays conscious with reflexes intact, which distinguishes it from deeper sedation or general anesthesia. Whether it is used depends on cooperation and treatment scope, so you can ask for an explanation of the need and alternatives.
I was told my child needs a lot of treatment. Can I get another dentist's opinion?: Opinions on treatment scope can differ between clinics, so seeking an additional opinion based on diagnostic evidence (photos and X-rays) is one way to check. Having the criteria for observation vs. treatment and the split between covered and non-covered items explained also helps the decision.

Find a dental clinic

Compare dental clinics by area and treatment in the area shortlists, or see nationwide figures in dental clinic statistics for South Korea.

References

National Health Information Portal: Dental Caries (Cavities) and Children's Oral Care · Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA)
Public materials on cavity treatment, sedation, and behavior management for children · Korean Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
National Health Insurance coverage criteria for children's dental treatment (baby tooth root canal treatment, prefabricated metal crowns, etc.) · Ministry of Health and Welfare, National Health Insurance Service (NHIS)
Analysis of patient comments on YouTube dental content: pediatric fear of cavity treatment, 150 comments (collected 2026-06-28) · DentStat (Osamil Inc.)

This content is general information based on public sources and does not replace diagnosis, prescription or treatment for any individual. If you have symptoms, consult a dentist.