4yr old hasn't seen dentist, has cavities... I'm afraid!

[kamilla626]

Dh and I both have bad teeth. I had 5 fillings and 3 caps by the time I was 6. Dh had a very traumatic experience in a dentist office once and only makes himself go if he's in serious pain and I can be there with him to talk him through his panic. He can't even call a dentist office.

I kept putting off getting dd in to see a dentist. My plan was to bring her when she was 2.5, but then I started having some serious medical issues, and our whole world was about me for a while.

Now I NEED to bring her. She's got what looks like cavities on 3 molars.

Is this something that someone would call CPS over? I feel so afraid and ashamed, plus I know that dd is going to pay for my procrastination because she'll have to deal with the driling and filling.

I have nightmares about this. Then during my busy days at work, I don't even think to make an appointment (until 2am when I'm freaking out again.)

No flames please, I know I screwed up. I'm just scared for her and feel so guilty.

[bizziedog]

I'm a serious dental-phobe and was aghast when I realized that something was worng with my dd's upper 4 teeth (started around a year). By the time she was 3.5, she was loosing enamel at an alarming rate and eventually they started to bother her. I took her to a pediatric dentist and she did need 4 caps. They were SO nice and took a huge amount of time to explain everything. She did need to be sedated (not put totally under) and was given nitrous oxide but came through the procedure physically and MENTALLY fine! She chatted throughout the process and watched Nemo in a tv mounted on the ceiling. Hey...whatever I think about tv is out the window when it comes to dental procedures. Now she LOVES going to her checkups! I told her she had check up and she jumped up and down and yelled "yeah." Go figure!!! (The fact that one wall in his office is a castle that you can crawl into helps a lot, too!) For the record...there are NO drugs during checkups!

Anyway, while at the dentist's office, I see lots of people in the same position as you where their children have cavities that must be filled. And no, they are not treated horribly! There are many many parents that don't see why you go to the dentist for baby teeth when they're going to fall out anyway! However, it really is important to fix problems with baby teeth because they can impact adult teeth.

I would recommend a good pediatric dentist because they are used to dealing with the wee ones. I don't like drugs as a whole, but wanted my dd's 1st dental experience to be non-tramatic. They walked me through the whole process and I felt very comfortable with them and her condition was constantly monitored. The first appointment will more than likely involve a check up and xrays. At that point, if there are cavities, they will probably suggest a plan of treatment. If you're not comfortable, you can always go somewhere else! I would not make my dd go somewhere where she was going to be "held down" and traumatized in ANY way.

Don't beat yourself up! The important thing is that you realize you need to get it done now!!! And reassure that dh that dentistry has really changed since we were children!

[kamilla626]

Thanks bizziedog! I feel a little better. I can't stand the idea of having her be sedated for extensive dental work, but it looks like that may be what needs to happen.

[kamilla626]

Anyone else?

[SleeplessMommy]

We have a very good pediatric dentist. My 4 year old got his dental work done with "just" nitrous oxide and Novocaine. He got a "bribe" from us for cooperating (a new train!) and was in a hurry to go back for the 2nd appointment to earn the next one. The "bribe" is there in the room, and the Dr "decides" if DS has done a good job listening. This makes the dentist a "good guy", as far as DS is concerned.

People have asked DS if the dentist hurt. He had/has no expectation that the dentist might hurt, except as gleaned from a few adults, that are not "in the know" about how good a good pediatric dentist can be, as compared to a regular dentist.

At the initial visit, it will probably be cleaning, inspection of the teeth, an x-ray, and fluoride varnish. You can check the dentist's manner and see if you are OK with it. The fillings/crowns will be done later.

It is really important that you have a positive attitude towards your child's dental work. If (s)he senses your concern, it may make her less cooperative and more anxious. Visit the dentist alone if you need to, to discuss your concerns. The Junior dentist in this practice is "not good", so it is important to have the parent there during treatment.

[CholoMama]

My daughter had a small cavity in her molar and had it fixed using a procedure called Atraumatic Restorative Technique, ART. It is quick and painless, requires no drilling, no mercury, and no pain relief. I never knew this existed and was so relieved when the dentist said he would fix it this way. It involved scraping out the soft decayed tissue and applying a temporary filling called a glass ionomer. Took about 3 minutes maximum the whole procedure. She was nearly 2.5 years at the time and just lay on top of me on the chair. That glass ionomer fell out after about a year and in so doing had remineralized the tooth so while still dark looking, it was nicely hardened over and therefore not in active decay. See if you can find a dentist who can do this procedure. Also, there are two yahoo groups alterntiveskidsteeth, and veryyoungkidsteeth, which are a helpful sources of info. HOpe this has helped, and good luck!

[fortunecookie]

We take my two year old to the pediatric dentist tomorrow. My son has fallen and chipped his top four front teeth really badly. Now they are literally falling to pieces. I am nervous but thankful to have come across this thread.

[nonniecita]

Is there a list of dentists that perforn the ART technique?
TIA!
Michelle

[SleeplessMommy]

Originally Posted by nonniecita

Is there a list of dentists that perforn the ART technique?
TIA!
Michelle

Any good pediatric dentist will do it, if appropriate. My son's glass ionomer filling only lasted about a year, but a dentist friend's children got glass ionomer fillings they kept all through childhood. Expect to be offered flouride varnish at the same time.