Dental freak out, someone help!

[DeChRi]

Okay, maybe I am freaking out for nothing. But dd (4) has a dentist appt tomorrow, and I am pretty sure she has decay (cavaties, whatever). It looks like she has it mostly on her very back molars. She has major dr paranoia and is petrified about going, despite my tries to explain and comfort, etc. If they are cavaties or decay, what should we expect? Fillings? My dd would completely FREAK OUT if some one wanted to hold her down, give her a shot to numb her and so on. I have neard people talk about sealing teeth. What is the difference between sealing and filling and in what cases are each used? Any help, reassurance?

[Lucky Charm]

JoJo...I feel your pain! My son is 5, and i found out that he needs $1000 worthf dental work. 3 crowns, fillings, root canal, and he about flipped out when he came out of the office! I originally brought him to the pediatric dentist because he had a cracked tooth with an abcess. for the next three visits i have to give him a sedative, he is far to hysterical in the chair, and last time they had to put him in a "papoose" where he was strapped down and screaming for an hour.

I have heard of sealing too. but i still have to fix the teeth, then have them sealed. sealing here costs about $25 a tooth without guarentees and its not covered by my insurance.

[DeChRi]

OMG sweetbaby, I suddenly feel no better! Maybe you could type another post and say "oh, there probably isn't that much to be done and nice little sedative and she'll be mello the whole time" kind of post?

[Lucky Charm]

My G*d Jo, I just read my post and you're right! jeez!

I'm sorry!

[malamamama]

Definitely read the archives!!! They are filled with great info.
Also, you could try giving her and you Bach's Rescue Remedy before the appointment to help with the emotional fears. Remember, the time in the chair is not forever!!!
My dd has had four caps, two fillings, and two extractions. She goes back for another filling next week. She is not even three yet!!!!
Last week we went to see the dentist for a check up and cleaning. She started crying the minute she saw him, so he said, "I'm just going to look and count your teeth today. And that's all he did. He didn't even try to clean her teeth, hoping that this "easy visit" will make the next "harder visit" easier.
If you are taking her to a ped dentist, then they usually have a good way of dealing compassionately. (If not, find another!) They probably won't do the filling tomorrow, they'll just check it out. (I would think), then they will make another appointment for further work. This will give your dd the perspective that its not all bad...hopefully. Hang in there.

[malamamama]

JoJo~how's your decision coming??

[DeChRi]

Actually, I think my options may just have gotten broadened. We just found out we are eligible for new health insurance through dh's job, AND it includes dental insurance. So instead of picking one of the 2 options we did have, I can look around and find a ped dentist, that will let me be there, etc, and have most of it be paid for. So I am feeling a bit better!

[malamamama]

Alright!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's great to know you have options. We had one choice with our coverage He would definitely not be my 1st choice, but the more we see him, the better he seems to be. Still....in the meantime...until you find the one.....brush, brush brush! I don't know how you feel about flouride, but Smilemomma highly recommends it and I am heeding her advice until we get the cavities/bacteria under control. She has two posts in a thread called "Remineralization & diet for healthy teeth". It is in the dental archives and her posts are near the beginning. Happy hunting!