looking at GA for dental work in 3YO DS

[cravenab00]

poor DS just has bad teeth. He's been my healthiest child thus far, and yet has had nothing but teeth problems since they came in
his top four incisors had to come out when he fell this spring, the dentist said they probably would have been fine had it not been for the extremely weak enamel he has. So he looks like our little hockey player
fast forward to his cleaning and check up a month ago, and things are really bad he's got one tooth that is so bad it needs to be pulled and a spacer put in, possibly 2, he's got 4 more big fillings to do.
He sat in the chair and was the epitome of cooperative at the cleaning, but yesterday we went just for sealants to put on, and it didnt happen. he just kept running away, and wouldnt even sit in the chair. He hasnt been eating well this last week and I'm worried he is in pain from his teeth. Our dentist here reffered us to a ped dentist about an hour and a half away, and I just called with some questions, and they kept saying "we'll come get you if we need you" i was like what? Apparently they have a "no parent" policy, and when i was saying that it is just NOT an option, she started getting mad at me and said "its not your decision!" " its the dentists' decision!" I said goodbye and hung up. No way in hell are we going there.
i found another dentist, who isnt a ped dentist, and i called and actually got to talk to HIM, and was much more comfortable with this place. They dont do amalgams PERIOD. And he says the only time he doesnt allow parents to be with the child is while under GA, which was obviousl So we are meeting with him tomorrow. I HATE the thought of GA, but i hate the thought of my baby being in pain more.
anyone who's been through this, can you tell me, how long they have to be under? how long are they "out of it" afterwards? "do they have a lot of pain after? will they give him anything for pain after?

thanks!

[lindberg99]

What is with dentists who don't let parents back?? My kids go back without me but the dentist certainly wouldn't care if I came back and a lot of parents do. Can you imagine what people would say about a pediatrician who wanted to examine a child without letting the parent in the exam room?

My son has never had GA for dental but he did have it for two other surgical procedures. The first was when he was about 22 months old. He wasn't happy when he woke up but was fine as soon as he nursed. The second time, he was 6. He felt kind of sick when he woke up and he seemed kind of sick and out of it for maybe 30 - 60 min after. But by the time we left, he was fine and wanted to go back to school that afternoon! But the doctor had told him he needed to stay home. So the anesthesia wasn't bad for him. But I can't speak about pain from the dental procedures other than crowns. Two of my kids have those and had no problems at all after.

Good luck to you and your son!

[superstella]

we're going to go through it in a couple of weeks. oct. 17; i'll keep you posted if you'd like.

my ds is 3.5 and has cavities in 17/20 teeth. The dentist said he's likely missing something that allows his body to produce enamel, and that hopefully the problem corrects itself before his adult teeth come in. Only 1 is bad enough to be pulled, the rest will be filled.

Like I said, I will post an update if you're interested although it sounds like my ds's problems are more extensive lol. For the record, he's also been my healthiest child! And I think you were very wise to ditch that ped. dentist. I can't imagine!

It's a scary thought, GA, huh?

[mamatowill]

My DS had GA for his dental work this summer. He has really poor enamel and thus had quite a bit of work. He was out for about an hour and half. I was back with him to put him to sleep. When he woke up he was really disoriented and was crying. I cuddled him for awhile. I took him home and gave him juice and painkiller right away. He was done by lunchtime. By dinnertime that night he was asking to eat chicken nuggets and was running around. You would never have known that he had surgery earlier that day. If you want more info you can pm me.

[KnitLady]

Try posting/searching in your tribal area for recommendations. You might find a dentist who will work with you. Sorry you and your DS are going through this.

[momma,mia]

I have really struggled with this myself and have been terrified to do anything. I have finally decided we have to get something done. I am thinking we will get it done in Dec. I am super nervous, but know that something has to be done and this seems to be the less tramautic for him, altho I will be worried sick until he wakes after they are finished.

[jessnboys]

Going through this too....

We are dealing with this with our 2 year old ds and the ped dentist has also recommended GA. He has one cavity (possible two) and she advised GA so we could also get x-rays, sealants, and a cleaning done at the same time as the filling. I know for a fact he won't just sit there and be the epitome of an ideal patient so I'm leaning towards agreeing. But the risks of GA scare me half to death. I've been a nervous wreck, crying off and on all day (we just went to the dentist this morning).

Plus she said once she takes the x-rays she may determine the cavity is too deep and will recommend a "baby root canal". ???!!??? Has anyone ever had this done? I'm just sick over this. Is the only other option holding the child down and having them scream while you fill the cavity? Which is worse crying and dentist trauma or GA and the risks associated with that? And of course it's not cheap...1700 for everything. ouch. Top it all off, how am I gonna not nurse him for the 6 hours prior (he still nurses through the night as we co-sleep) and of course, the dentist blamed this all on that, said I should have weaned at 1, and said my milk has no nutritive benefit whatsoever now.
Please help me, mamas!!!