Tooth x-ray for a 2yr old??!

[Debobu]

HI

I am looking for some info and advice...

My 2.5 yr old banged his front tooth/gum against a really hard countertop :-(

His tooth got a little pushed back but not so noticeable.

We took him to 2 dentists-one when it just happened and a pediatric one who came highly recommended later when we noticed the tooth was a little loose.

They both adviced we take an x-ray of his tooth and we declined. The pediatric one said the root and nerve could be damaged and it could cause issues with the permanent tooth?!

We noticed in the last couple days the tooth is turning a bit grey which is sign of nerve damage I believe?

We have a follow up with the dentist in a couple of days. I am sure she will insist on the x-ray again now the tooth is getting discolored :-( and the tooth might need to be pulled which is upsetting at this young age. :-(

I just feel nervous for my son to have an x-ray so young-I guess I feel they are better saved for more dangerous.serious  stuff. She also noticed he had a couple of cavities and was recommending xrays then too because she "can't tell how ddep they are"

Are we over reacting? She has the very latest digital xrays..

Anyone have any experience with stuff?

Thanks

[mommy212]

I would not worry about it. Make sure they put the lead vest over him and take as few as possible. Especially if he is in pain. It sounds like you might really want to do this one. If they need to pull the tooth, it is probably better to find out now than wait until it is rotting or painful, or really does damage the nerve or something

[crunchy_mommy]

We haven't gotten dental x-rays, DS did have a chest x-ray at a year old though...

To me, it sounds like a good reason to get an x-ray. If you are uncertain though, you could ask how the xray would change the course of treatment. If they're wanting to pull the tooth either way, then you could just skip the x-ray, but if the results will lead them to handle it differently, than x-ray might be the best course of action, you know?

[mamadiamond]

discoloration can mean the tooth is dying, which can be really serious and if not treated can lead to infection in the jaw bone itself. so if an x-ray is necessary to treat it properly, the risk of a serious infection is greater than the radiation risk. i'd get the x-ray. this isn't the same as cavities, it could be a real problem.

[ShwarmaQueen]

I would definitely have the xray needed for the tooth in question. There is only a small amount of radiation in 1 xray and it wouldn't bother me as much as the thought of my baby having pain/injury.