Son with some level of ASD needing FOUR fillings - Please help!

[BusyMumof5]

You might think it's weird of me posting here - in this section without a clear diagnosis what my son has.
I can only put my point across that - having 4 other children I know that children are different but this child in question (the eldest) is having learning difficulties and has already been kept back a year at School.

He's been to the dentist and needs not one, or two, or even three, but FOUR fillings.

Has your child been through simular?
How was it for them - and were they put under a general for it?
(In my opinion I think it would be easier on him for a general as I know how quickly he can become distressed - this same boy has already had 2 operations (NONE of which are a circumstition may I gladly add - we're here! ) um.. basically he hated the 'magic cream' and hospital admission band - He will not manage fillings - let alone 4!!!!

Please help - advise where you can xx

[tsfairy]

My son doesn't have a clear diagnosis either, but this forum is extremely helpful nonetheless.

DS just had 8 fillings done this summer, right before he turned 5. He has a huge aversion to anyone touching his face, especially his mouth. We had to restrain him just to get x-rays and it was quite traumatic for him. For the fillings we chose sedation in the dentist's office. General anesthesia was an option, but would have to be done in the hospital, at a much greater expense that insurance wouldn't cover, and quite a bit more overall risk.

The sedation worked quite well for DS. He had to be restrained during the procedure, but he doesn't remember any of it.

[blessed.mommy]

My 2 y/o ds doesn't' have a clear diagnosis either (we're on our way to doing the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)...The ladies here have been nothing but helpful. You should post more!

Dentistry and I don't get along...I wouldn't want to have FOUR fillings, so I can't imagine a child going through it either. My only thought is that maybe you could explain things to his dentist (maybe in a round about way) and see if they might be able to put him to sleep or something...like laughing gas?! I dunno.

[Zan&Zav]

my son is 4, and has autism. he to hates the special cream , the bracelets, ect.
however, when it came to the dentist we did ok. i took him with me to an appointment, and he watched me get fillings. then we went over it at home, step by step by step, daily , until his appointment. the only problems we had was when the dentist did something a little out of order. but all in all, since he knew what to expect, he seemed to be more focused on the next step rather then what was actually happening.

ETA: I was shocked that it worked, just wanted to post because i figure its worth a shot

[BusyMumof5]

Originally Posted by Zan&Zav

my son is 4, and has autism. he to hates the special cream , the bracelets, ect.
however, when it came to the dentist we did ok. i took him with me to an appointment, and he watched me get fillings. then we went over it at home, step by step by step, daily , until his appointment. the only problems we had was when the dentist did something a little out of order. but all in all, since he knew what to expect, he seemed to be more focused on the next step rather then what was actually happening.

ETA: I was shocked that it worked, just wanted to post because i figure its worth a shot

Thanks - Funnily enough I have got into the habbit of talking through things before they happen, He's never been to the dentist before but each day I said he'd have to get in the magic chair and it would go backwards they a big 'ahhh' mouth open wide and he did get on okay with that.

However I somehow just know he wont manage a filling, let alone four and I know how distressed he can become bless him - and if possible I want to avoid him becoming so distressed that he will lose faith in me as a parent - i want him to be able to trust me and him to realise we do things for their best intests etc.

I'll look into sedation and or general - Thanks xx

[BookGoddess]

We recently did an MRI on DD using Propofol as the sedative. It worked really fast. When it was time to remove the sedation, she came out of it fast and without any problems. I don't know if that's an option for you, but just thought I'd mention it in case it's a possiblity for your son.

[beachcomber]

Given his sensitivities, I strongly recommend you speak with the dentis about this. I agree with those who have put forward the general anaesthesia in hospital route. This is what my friend whose daughter has ADHD and SPD has to do when dental work must be done.

[BusyMumof5]

Originally Posted by beachcomber

Given his sensitivities, I strongly recommend you speak with the dentis about this. I agree with those who have put forward the general anaesthesia in hospital route. This is what my friend whose daughter has ADHD and SPD has to do when dental work must be done.

Many thanks for your understanding - I will do xx

[NataliaI]

Another view: After doing a bit of research, I was more concerned about effects of anesthesia. When ds had fillings (about age 5 or 6), we decided (against dentist's recommendation) to have him put on a papose board (restrained). I sat on him and lovingly held his head. The procedures took about 5 - 10 minutes.

He was not traumatized and calmed down instantly as soon as the procedure was over.

I know this would not work for all kids. Just sharing another view.

[BusyMumof5]

I have an update ---->  http://www.mothering.com/community/forum/thread/1279045/a-little-update-from-me#post_16041496

It has views, but no replies at the minute.. I think there are a lot of people here who just read and can't be bothered to reply.