My 5 1/2 year old daughter just was told that she has 8 cavities that need to be filled soon. I have done everything in our power to prevent them (brushing, flossing, mouthrinse...) but the shape of the grooves in her teeth trap food particles and inevitably she is bound to have problems according to our dentist. THe problem is in my daughters extreme anxiety about having them filled. We attempted going to the first appointment and did not even succeed in getting the teeth numbed using the topical gel. THe dentist has recommended day surgery where they would put her out and fill all 8 at one time. But this make her very scared along with myself. Are there any other moms out there who might lend some advice our way on the right approach to take with this issue. She use to love going to the dentist and now never wants to go back. Also the day surgery option is much more expensive and our dental insurance will not cover the anesthesia. I appreciate your help.
Try going to this dental office. The Dr. is very gentle and the staff is friendly and sweet. www.bellevueteeth.com
The best Dentist for your shild is Dr Schyler in Roseburg. The man is a genuise that can do the work allin one visit and not scare the crud out of your daughter. He did my seven year olds work and he didn't even know he had gotten any shots. Please ask your doctor for a referral. The best dentist in the world. His whole office is for kids. From the toyroom reception area to the individual nurse for each child being treated. The 4 letter words like pain, hurt, etc are prohibited and it's all low stress for you and the child
Hello. Having worked in the dental field for 20 years, I can recommend that you go ahead and do them all at once. Have your daugher go under general anesthesia. The avoidance of another traumatic event may help her anxiety when it comes time to go back for another exam.
My son had to have a tooth pulled and I was worried about a terrible experience. My dentist had a prescription written for an anesthesia that was administered via a nosespray. It had an anesthesia and amnesia effect so that he doesn't remember the pain or time. The dentist had to carry him into the chair. It's makes them drowsy. I had to pay for the medicine (about $100), but he still loves the dentist. My oldest also had a cavity filled and they recommended an anti-anxiety medicine. I had the prescription filled. She took half the night before and the rest in the morning on the way to the dentist. I hope you find a great solution for your daughter.
if you live in Oak Harbor, Dr. Keyes is the best place to go.. he really listens and is gentle, I took mine there when he was five and he is not afraid of dentists..
on the other hand , if you need to use the anesthesia, then the medical part of your insurance should cover it..
my son will have to undergo that option soon at childrens hospital in Seattle..as he has 8 or more cavities as well..
hope this helps, D. A
You would have to check with her Doctor to find out if this is a possiblity for her first. My son has extreme fears and has his entire life of shots. In the past we have had to have 3 nurses and myself hold him down to give him shots. It was horrible. He is now 13 and at 9 was diagnosed with a mood disorder that he takes medicine for. Lucky us it requires regular blood draws. Even now at 13 he freaks. This last time we tried something new. His Doctor prescribed Diazepam to help relax him before we go. He also took his ipod and listened to music. It worked like a charm. He was so relaxed it didn't bother him at all. Obviously the dosage would be different for your daughter, but if you are o.k. with giving her that it is definately worth a try. Good Luck!!
My oldest has teeth that will always be a challenge. At 6... she had to have 5 pulled and spacers put in... we went to the pediatric dentist in Grants Pass... she was not put under but given an anti anxiety pill... it took more than one trip.. but it came out fine... and she could eat without hurting again...
double check on the insurance as well.. it should cover anthesticia... most do...
Is there a pediatric dentist in your area? Or, if there is an accredited dental school in your area, they typically have a pediatric section you might try. Pediatric dentists and staff usually have things set up in such a way and are of a mind set to take some extra time with children, especially those who may be very upset about it. This is not to say that other dentists don't take extra time. Like with anything else, some are better than others.
When my daughter was about 5 years old, she needed dental work done and, because we took her to the dental school in the area, it was not the traumatic experience it could have been. Additionally, when we returned to the city where I grew up, we learned about a pediatric dentist in the area which my daughter went to until she was a pre-teen.
Also, is it possible that the anxiety is the unknown? Some kids want to know what is going to happen (age appropriate). Maybe the local library has a book in the kids section on having cavities filled and what happens when they don't get filled.
Hope this helps.
DOUBLE CHECK ON THE INSURANCE NOT COVERING THE anesthesia, THE DENTIST TOLD ME THAT TOO AND MY INS DID COVER IT. I HAD TO FIGHT THEM ABOUT IT. MY DAUGHTER WENT UNDER AT AGE 3 OR SO. IT WENT WELL AND SHE WAS HAPPY BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T HURT ANYMORE. ARE YOU BRUSHING HER TEETH STILL? MY DENTIST TOLD ME THAT CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 7 DO NOT HAVE THE FINE MOTOR SKILLS YET. MAYBE TRY GETTING HER AN ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH TO PREVENT MORE CAVITIES.
I would forgo the day surgery have they told you how expensive the anesthesia will cost My daughter had to have a child version of a root canal they gave her nitrous she just layed ther peacefully watching a movie.
Some children's mouths are just more suseptible to decay - even with all of your preventive measures.
If you aren't already, consider a pediatric dentist. In my experience, they make dentistry much more fun. My dentist also takes the children without parents to the colorfully decorated (full of diversions) examination area. It's really important that your daughter not sense your anxiety.
As others have mentioned, there are other alternative sedation methods that do not involve complete anesthesia. When you call your insurance company, be sure to have the procedure code from the dentist for both the dental restorative procedures and the recommended anesthesia. Your insurer will better be able to truly answer your coverage question.
My youngest is one of those 8 cavity kids (while the older two have had none). I felt like a neglective mom when my dentist informed me about the state of this teeth (and he's had a cleaning just 6 months before). We went to more frequent cleanings (in the short term) and sealants to be proactive.
If you have access to a flexible spending account for medical/dental care, it might be worth funding.
Good Luck - you are a great mom.
