To fill or not to fill? Three-year-old with four cavities

[acupuncturemomma]

If anyone can help, I'd be really grateful. I'm totally overwhelmed with deciding on how to proceed with our 3-yr-old DD's cavities.

She was first diagnosed with the caries nine months ago; we were told they were shallow and that we could follow a "watch-and-wait " approach (bring her back in six months), which is what we chose. Since that time we have been more diligent in our routine: brushing more thoroughly, using xylitol (Spry) drops, flossing, and using topical fluoride on the caries.

My question is this: Is there a way for us to know if the cavities are getting worse? We'd really like to avoid x-rays if at all possible, but isn't that the only way to know for sure if the cavities need to be filled? And if we get the x-rays this time and can get away with leaving the caries unfilled for now, aren't they going to want to x-ray her every six months to see if things are progressing? If that's the case, are we better off just having them filled now so they're dealt with? We want to find the least invasive, least toxic solution.

I've put off this issue/decision for a few months now, and would like to figure out something before our next baby is due in five weeks. I feel really guilty that we might be doing our daughter a disservice by having waited.

BTW, we did attempt ozone treatment for DD--we went to one of two dentists in our area who offers it (he requires a consult first) and DD wouldn't even let him look in her mouth, so he referred us to a ped dentist (who doesn't do ozone.)

[earthmama369]

Having just watched my 4-year-old daughter go through 4 hours of surgery and a painful month-long recovery because a dentist wasn't aggressive enough with her dental care, I would vote for x-rays and fillings, personally. Composite fillings are mercury-free and some pediatric dentists offer digital x-rays now, which greatly reduces a patient's exposure. Compared to the "if the caries spread" scenario, treatment now is much less invasive.

Untreated caries can spread to the adjoining teeth and go deep into the roots. Young children may not verbalize that they're in pain, or how much pain they're feeling, but that doesn't mean it's not there. DD had some of her caries for over a year, most likely, and only in the last month before surgery did she start to mention heat/cold sensitivity and difficulty chewing. By that time, she needed root canals, extractions, fillings, and crowns. That's a lot for anyone to handle and more than a child should have to. (And yes, we have a new dentist. And a lawyer. Doesn't change her experience, though, much to my sorrow.)

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

I dont think they will want to do x rays every 6 months but I could be wrong. I would keep watching them and see if you can wait until she is old enough to have the work done with just nitrus and lidocain that approach worked great for my oldest. But then I fear GA more than I fear the caries