Daughter Dental Work

WE went through the EXACT same thing with my dtr Leah who is now 5. Her first cavity was at 3, then at 4 she had 7, yup 7. My older dtr has never had a cavity. Basically, my ped dentist said some kids just have bad germs...everything I read..including a great Mothering article.agreed. Her teeth are little and tight and just that is the way they are. Well, when we did Versed and gas for the first one, it worked ok, not as good as pain relief as I would like BUT also as a peds RN, I'm not comfortable with heavy sedation in an office setting, it is not safe. So, when we did the 7, she went under general anesthesia at the hospital. Now, that said, we did versed..my choice..since it is a good amnesiac and relaxes them...bad is that it tastes yucky so getting them to take it could be a trick. Now, I politely demanded/informed I would be by her side. Couple side notes...I know my peds dentist on a social level also. He knows I am a nurse. He knows I will not interfere and let him "dentist" during the procedure. BUT, I REFUSE to let a procedure be done to my child without me being there. As a nurse, I know some parents actually hinder, but that is not me. I think you can safely give a little versed-based on weight and gas and monitor them with a little fingertip heartrate monitor and be fine. So, lastly, the peds dentist is giving you normal, standard of care advice, but I would just let them know you don't feel comfortable, you will stay out of the way, but you WILL be in there. Let me know if you need any thing else!

Find a Dentist who will allow you to be there. Sorry but she is so young she will need you now. They should allow for this aception. You could wear a mask or something.

My daughter has been a patient at Fishers Pediatric Dentistry for 11 years - we also have has some dental work performed there (teeth pulled) - I have the utmost confidence in that facility - both the dentists and the staff. Although somewhat traumatic on the parent, I knew my daughter was getting the best care.

As a mother and a hygienist I would want to be with my child. Children do get cavities--heredity and life in general. Discuss the procedure, putting the tooth asleep but be with her. I work in a general dental office and we allow parents to be in the room. There are ped offices that allow parents in the room. Most kids do better knowing mom or dad is there. But if the child acts up we say mom will have to leave and then mom can still stand just outside the door. Drugs is very common with very young children. They relax the child. Dental experiences should not be scary or hurt-- talk, explain and make it part of life. Talk to the dentist and enplain your concern, if not happy or satisfied there are other ped offices!! K.

I am not familiar with Versed but my son has had cavities. We go to Dr. Haring, a pediatric dentist in Dublin. Once they give him the gas, he is fine. It has been stressful for me and I would like some of the gas, ha, ha. Some kids just have a very soft enamal. Good luck, I know it is hard.

Would never go to a dentist that would not allow me to be there until my child has settled down and I am comfortable. ONce they are out, I can see leaving the room, but insist on being with your child until you are ok with it. Like 10% of children have the opposite reaction and you NEED to be there if that happens. My guess is the laughing gas will not cut it with a 3 YO.
Best of luck. It will be ok.

I felt the same way. My 3 year old daughter just went last week to have a crown put on a molar and two cavities filled. I was so worried too, but I was able to go back with her and hold her hands. My 5 year old son was also back there with us. My friend told me about this dentist, so I switched. I am so glad I found them! They are wonderful. My daughter didn't even know she was getting a shot- no idea! They were so kind and quick! We went to Stutsman Family Dentistry, and saw Dr. Danielle, she is the pediatric dentist there. I definately would recommend her! It's not just worrisome for you but for your daughter too. They are great, I can't say enough good things about them! They are located between C.R. 27 and US 33, just behind the new Wal-green store in Goshen. Hope this helps!

normal has nothing to do with the sweets,i have 2 boys 1 that i just cant seem get to brush his teeth, and the other who brushes his teeth often, the brusher had 4 cavity's, the non brusher had 1, and he eats alot of junk food,while the other don't, it is more so the chemical break down inside all of us that is different, it does sound bad when your dentist tells you about your child having cavity's but better to get the caps on now then wait, because the cavity will damage the adult tooth if not taken care of dont worry your not alone in this.J..

I remember this happening to me when I was 5 and my parents had to stay in the waiting room. This was supposed to be a great kid's dentist. I was scared to be in a new place and was crying. I won't go into the details but my mom heard me crying and when I didn't stop she just came on in. I was so glad to see her. We didn't go to that dentist again.

My daughter had to have fillings at a young age too. I stayed right there with her. If the dentist won't allow it find another one. I know best how to comfort my child. My child does not act up more with me around, as they tell me some kids do. You know best, listen to your apprehensions and tell the dentist.

Good luck!

Three years old and they won't let you in the room? That's absolutely crazy. They can't make you stay out and there's no reason to make you stay out! Even if you really like them, if they won't let you stay with her, I'd find a new dentist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If they do "conscious sedation", there is no medical reason why you can't be there. And it's not necessarily true that a child will do better without a parent, especially with a 3 year old. Whatever you decide, don't let them them make you think everyone's better off if you're not in the room.

I know how you feel. My now 7yr old daughter has had 7 surgeries two of which were Dental surgeries. The first when she was 2 the second when she was 5. My husband and I felt the same way you did. We thought we were doing everything possible to keep her teeth healthy. Her sister who is now 10 has never had a cavity in her life. The dentist explained to my husband and I that some kids are more prone to decay than others and in fact out of his own 6 children all but one had very healthy teeth. As for the surgery part my daughter had hers done at the hospital as a surgical procedure. Since she was so young and had so much decay they felt that was the best way. It is very frightening to not be able to be with them but sometimes in my opinion I feel that it is better. After my daughters 2nd sugery she was terrified to even see a dentist for a simple cleaning and me being in the room was even worse. So I had to let her go back alone and even though it took two more vists for the tears to stop we are now seeing the dentist tear free WITH healthy teeth! Good Luck!

Hi my name is D.,I am a mother of 4 boys ages 12,9,8,4, I worked in a pediatric dental office for 12 years as a dental assistant and we did these procedures every day,Also we didnt allow the parents to go back either,Yes it is hard to let your young one go but you have to think of it as a surgery procedure-at a hospital do they let you go into the operating room-no they dont,Just make sure that office has monitors and a special emergency kit(incase of an allergic reaction-just so u know we have been doing this for 20 yrs at our office and had never had to use that kit)Also make sure the doctors have the credentials like a sedation license,cpr certified ect. Children typically do wonderful without the parents in the room especially at a young age, they focus more on the dr and assistant then they do when the mom is back and with versed you have to work fast and safe.They should let you sit with them when the med is administered and its usually mixed with a little bit of juice.Also yes sometimes the nitrous does the trick and they have special flavors to make it fun and not so scary,and sedation medication does not need to be used, they use different words,they never tell them they are getting a shot. My youngest son has always done good at the dentist and he was 3 when he had an enamel defect that required a filling,they gave him versed and of course i waited out too, he did wonderful and he doesnt remember it at all and still loves to go to the dentist. We allowed our parents to only come back for the cleanings so they could get the info they needed on how they were cleaning their teeth.So hopefully this info helped and you can try to ease your mind.

I will say my son was 5 when he had a cavity filled. They were able to just use the numbing med/shot in the gum. another son had a cavity filled at his dentist and they used the laughing gas but I don't remember his age. Both times I was able to be there at his side while he had it done. WE see Dr. Kahn on the westside, a pediatric dentist. Actually Dr. Kahn fills all cavities in the same room he sees the other children. It is pretty non-traumatic for the kids. He has a little cubbyhole he can use if he has a special needs child that is off to the side, but it doesn't have a door. Still pretty visible. Parents are always in the room with their children. That's my experience with it.

STAY IN THE WAITING ROOM! As a Mom who's children have had extensive dental work I know that children do much better when the parents are not there. It is confusing to the children when the parent and the MD or DDS are both there as they do not know who is in charge. Kids look for someone to be the leader and naturally they will choose the parent to follow in most cases. I would prefer my child to look to the MD or DDS managing their care to follow, as they are the ones doing the procedure. The child will trust the MD or DDS more and do much better if you set an example for them to follow. If you are anxious and nervous about it your kid will be. Do not worry about the gas it will most likely be sufficient and if they have to get versed, oh well at least you know the work is getting done and your child is not in pain. Before our first experiences at the DDS I felt like you, but after that first sedation visit with me in the waiting room..I felt like it worked out best for all involved. Hope all goes well!

How long you been seeing this dentist? I would get a second opinion from another dentist knowing some dentist would say anything for money. Good to be cautious

I was always allowed to be with my children at the dentist office. The only time I had to leave was when they were having surgery and even then I was allowed in the recovery room before and after the procedures. Since you are established and like this dentist office, I would ask them more questions about not letting you in during the procedure. I also question the use of versed on a three year old. I dont want to alarm you, to my knowledge it is only given intravenously. If that is still true, who in the dentist office is skilled to give it? How will they go about giving it? though a saline lock or running an IV bag of fluids? Do they have emergency medications available to reverse it should your dtr have a reaction to it? I have not heard of it being used outside the hospital/surgical setting. I would be really cautious about the dosage. Too much can be very sedative, causes respiratory arrest. My heart goes out to you and your dtr. My best opinion would be to get a second opinion from another dentist that works with children and see how they do the same procedure. This sounds to risky for just a couple of fillings. Good Luck. J.

As a Dental Assistant myself and also a mother of three, I would say this is very normal. It is also for the best, because the children actually stay calmer when the parents aren't in the room. My middle child had 5 cavities to get filled and I stayed in the room and she was really nervous and wiggly, so I told her I was going to go to the waiting room. They would come out and give me updates often and she did awesome.

I agree with the others: I would want to be present during the procedure, especially at such a young age. I was present during my then-4-year-old son's cavity fillings. Also, my sister took her 3-year-old to the same pediatric dentist, and she was present during the procedure. I know you didn't ask, but I can't help but recommend our pediatric dentist. He is phenomenal!!!!! I can't use enough exclamation points there! His name is Dr. Donald Bozic, located on Medical Drive in Carmel. He is awesome with the kids, but not in an annoying jokey way. He just knows how to deal with them. Best of all, he is SUPER-FAST! It's almost like the kids don't even have time to work up a fear of what is going on :) [By the way, Dr. Bozic is also NOT our regular dentist. I just take my son to him when there's cavities involved.] Good luck with your child's dental work!

My youngest also had a need to have fillings at 3 despite careful dental hygiene. Since I went through the same thing as a child, I didn't worry too much. Heredity counts for some amount of a child's tendency to decay.

On another subject, it seems odd that a pediatric dentist would be unwilling to allow a parent to stay with their child, especially one so young. I'm with the folks who suggest looking for a dentist who is open to this.

Also, why such strong anesthesia for fillings? A drug that encourages amnesia? For a THREE YEAR OLD? What is the problem with a local anesthetic? Both my daughters have dealt just fine with novacaine (sp?), and it isn't something that requires a heart monitor.

We've been fortunate enough to find a great dentist for the whole family. He allows a parent to stay with their child, uses the least invasive techniques possible, doesn't talk down to my kids, and discusses options with me before he does anything. Hold out for someone responsive.

I was a dental assistant for 12 years at a pediatric office. It is very normal for the parents to wait outside the room. The kids do better when a nervous parent is not in the room. If you do trust the office, let them do the work and get it done. It will not be traumatic at all.

Another way to get cavities is by not flossing. Even kids need to floss. Any teeth that touch each other can trap food and bacteria that need to be gotten out with floss. I have always flossed my kids' teeth, now ages 3 and 7. It's a very normal part of our routine.

Good luck. It will be just fine!

There is no way that any one would do a procedure on one of children,like that , I am not allowed to be there. Forget it. I even go in and watch the surgery on my dogs. That child needs your support at the young age. Find another dentist. One that is a father, family person.

I think it's normal to have parents wait in the waiting room. My daughter also had cavities quite young despite taking good care of her teeth -- turns out she was born without enough enamel to cover her teeth properly. The procedure went just fine with the laughing gas, although when we talked about it afterward she said she didn't like the feeling it gave her, but she didn't complain about it.

my daughter at 3 had to have 2 crowns put on her teeth. It seems to me that the procedure is pretty routine.

O.,
I just wanted to let you know that my son had the same problem with the cavity issue. For us, it is hereditary. His back teeth are all very close together. And it is almost impossible not to get them. So dont beat yourself up.

My personal belief is that a minor child is always represented by an adult, why not during a medical or dental procedure? I would not let my toddler be taken into a room away from me. I am her source of comfort and her protector. I don't like the idea of them saying that parents aren't allowed....she is a minor....parents are allowed anywhere their minor children go. Your child is an extention of you, until they are an adult, therefore, you should always be welcome wherever your child must be. Our dentist welcomes us anywhere that they take my children, xrays, cleanings, fillings, etc... I might express my interest in being present and explain that it would make both you and your child more at ease. Maybe they just have a general rule, but are willing to make exceptions for those parents who really want to be present and push the issue. It's worth asking since you like them so much! Good luck and remember, this is YOUR child and your gut tells you what the right thing is to do and if that means being present during fillings, then consider a different ped dentist. There are alot of wonderful ones who welcome your presence! Great family dentist on the east side of Cincinnati (Anderson Twp.) is Dr. Barbara Cain....super, sweet, can't say enough wonderful things about her!

Hi O.,

I can totally identify with you. My little ones are around the same age.

I can tell you from a professional standpoint the reason they do not allow parents at the bedside. Little kids under what is called "conscious sedation" do some crazy things. "Conscious sedation" is basically knocking the little one into la la land without putting them down so far that they require a breathing tube to make it through the event. Everyone handles anesthesia differently. I am an nurse who helps with procedures using the same meds. To parents, it might appear that their little one feels things (they often moan, cry or act drunk). This is really hard and scary for a lot of parents. It is easy for the doctor to get the procedure done without scaring the parent if they are in the other room. I have never helped with a procedure yet where the little kid remembered a single thing once the meds wore off. Yet, sometimes you would swear they would. Relax, your baby will be just fine. You can look forward to a GREAT nap when you get finished!! Ahhhhh... peace and quiet! Best of luck!!

Did they show you on the xray how big the cavities are? I took my 6 year old and 4 year old to the dentist for the first time last year (yeah, I know I was late) and my 6 year old daughter had a cavity on a baby tooth. They showed it to me on the xray and I could barely see it. I made an appointment to have it filled. I ended up delaying it a couple times for financial reasons and then ended up cancelling the appointment and I never had it filled. She still had that baby tooth when we went again last month and miraculously they said she had no cavities! I'm not saying that you should do what I did, but I would ask if it is really necessary or maybe even get a second opinion. Also, will they be using the laser technology instead of drilling? I hear that is much less invasive and less scary. I hope this helps.

I would check with the dentist to see if they have a toothpaste called prevident. My 4 yr. old has 3 small cavities and she gave me prevident to brush his teeth with right before bed. She said this if caught early enough can sometimes reverse the cavities. Should it not reverse the cavities it will keep them from getting any bigger and she wont have to undergo the filling routine until she is older. My kids dentist allows parents back for any procedure they perform on a child.
D.

I am a 31 yr. old married mom of almost 12 yrs. and have 3 boys ages 10,7 and 4.

My son had cavities filled when he was about 5. They used the laughing gas and it was fine. He has sensory processing dysfunction so he didn't like the "big nose" that they use. Next time he needed a cavity filled he said to just go ahead and do it without anything...it was just on the surface. Our pediatric dentist doesn't allow us in the back for any appointments, you just get brought back after for a report. Should your daughter end up needing the versed, don't worry abouut that either. My daughter had that prior to a VCUG test in the hospital. It will take the edge off and she won't remember much if anything after the procedure. They're just a little wobbly for the rest of the day.

I have become somewhat of an expert at baby dental work. My two youngest have had extensive dental work done due to a hereditary issue with their teeth. My oldest is 25 and youngest is 8 so we have been through many many dentists and doctor visits. We have been through a few bad pediatric dentists and have finally found an excellent pediatric dentist named Robert Harring. He has an office in Dublin, Ohio. He desires the parent to be with the child while the work is being done and even has a parent chair set up by each dental chair.

They have a play room in the waiting rooma nd all the staff is kind and courteous. THey will use gas and make it pleasant to get the gas and they have tv's over the chairs for the kids to watch during treatment. I highly reccommend them.

Anyone who tries to seperate you from your child while they do work of any kind on your child is not someone i would leave my child alone with. I have been with my children to reassure them they were safe for every dentist and doctors appointment they have ever had with the exception of hospital surgical procedures. And even then they encourage yout o spend every minutes with your little ones until they are sedated.

You are paying for a service and unless they are incompetent they should never tryt o seperate you from your child. Anyone who says you are better off letting the doctors do their work without you there is saying they like it better when the parent cannot watch in case they make a mistake. You are your childs advocate in everything they do. Stay with the little one honey and change doctors.

Dear O.,
Mother of 6 here and I've switched dentists who would not let me be with my children...they think we parents are the PROBLEM...but they just need to educate us to handle what to expect, just like they do the wee little patient. We are FAMILIES...not just individual patients with an older chauffeur to bring them into the office. I know it is MUCH preferred by many professionals to get the "worrisome" parent out of their hair....but that is NOT THEIR CHILD. You are responsible for taking care of YOUR child in a way that addresses everyone's needs, including your own to know "you are there for her", IF she needs her. She probably won't at all, but you can be a STEADY, silent PARTNER with the dental staff IF they will include you in that spirit...which they should, in my opinion. They may take care of the TEETH, but YOU take care of the CHILD. Present yourself as a calm and STRONG asset, meaning you won't back down from them...or act up during the procedure, either.
My 8 yr. old daughter has some of the best dental care in the nation at Children's Hospital here, and THEY supply a chair for the parent to be with the child. I admit, I take a magazine and also look out the window at times I don't want to be "fully present" with the procedure (even though I had home births myself, I'm squeamish about watching some stuff), but I touch my child's hand and compliment her how well she is doing, as well as how well the dentist is doing...encouraging EVERYONE. She had the nitrous gas and did well.
ALso, the FLOSSING issue is important at any age, which we found out the hard way...

I have never heard of a dentist that won't allow you to go back with your child during a procedure. That just strikes me as weird, and would be all I need to inspire me to find a new dentist.

My son had a cavety filled a couple of years ago, and they just used local anesthetic. I also have had a wisdom tooth removed with just novacane. (I was pregnant.) So just tell your dentist your needs, and they should be able to comply.

Depending on the size of the cavities and which teeth they're on, as well as what age they're expected to lose the teeth, I would be cautious in which ones I'd allowed to be handled. My family dentist of 15 years who is awesome with my children advised me quite some time ago, that a tiny speck on a tooth, provided it's tiny ... and a baby tooth, may be lost before it would likely have any concerns. Of course, my child was probably four, but so far all 3 of my children ... ages 7,9,11 have zero cavities of concern at my new dentist of 1 yr. My input, though you love your dentist, would be to get a second opinion. Pray about it. 3 yrs old seems so very young to have cavities. Although, as other moms have said, some children are just born with teeth that are more likely to decay. I was one of those (oh, and I gritted my teeth as a child). I brush and floss more than anyone I've ever known ... but I'm the girl with the fillings! I always drank milk and ate well, but looking back at my parents, their teeth wore harshly, too. Don't fear.

By the way, at first my reaction was, "NO WAY," as I wouldn't let my daughter be alone at age 3 in the dentist ... under anesthesia ... but then I thought of what the hygienist stated. Your pediatrician probably prefers versed because it keeps the children from having a fear of returning to the dentist's office. It does sound like such a strong thing, as that is what my son had before major surgery. Again, you pray and trust and find balance in it. Never beat yourself up once you make the decision!

Blessings!

Hi! I have twins that are 3.5 and my DD just had to have a cavity filled. They took her back by herself and she did fantastic. They did give a very small amount of nitrous to relax her before the doc came in and then they used a 1/4 amount of novacain that we get as adults. She really did fantastic! And I didn't even take her to a pediatric dentist. Good Luck!

When my son had his cavities capped I was not allowed in the office with him either. I did not like it but their explanation made sense.

It is very stressful for the child and if mom is in the room they have a hard time keeping the child in the dentist chair because he/she wants to sit with mom. While I am sure the child is scared, if mom isn't there they will sit still for the doctor.

With a little tylenol, my son was fine about 2 hours after the procedure.

Fair warning: When my son came out he was crying, which of course made me cry. Bring tissue.

Hello!

I am a dental assistant at a Martine Dentistry (a family practice). We usually try to work on children without "laughing gas" or sedation unless they are "overly active" during routine checkups or very apprehensive. Then, if they don't do well, we will try something different. I used to work for a pediatric dentist, and we used "laughing gas" quite a bit. They would sometimes allow the parents to come back, but a lot of times the kids do better when their parents aren't present. We will allow the parents to be back there with us at times, but if the child is throwing a fit, we will tell them that mom has to leave if they don't calm down.
I say if you aren't comfortable with it, ask if they can do the fillings without anything, and if they say no, ask them why not, and if you aren't content with their reply, maybe seek a second opinion.

Goodluck!
S. :)

We had the same problem with my daughter when she was three and my son was six. My daughter did fine with the nitrous (laughing gas)and was a trooper - we were allowed to be there with her. My son on the other hand had to have full sedation and they allowed me to hold him until he got the med and went out (which was terribly hard to see and I am even a nurse - it is different with your own child) and then I had to leave the room. So I do think it's normal to have the parents out of the room, just make sure you trust the dentist, our first peds dentist was awful, the one we go to now is fantastic (the one that did my sons procedure) Good Luck

My daughter also had cavities at age 3. When we went in for the doctor to check her she was all freaked out and wouldn't let him look at her teeth. By her screaming with her mouth wide open he was able to see what I saw and we decided to go ahead and do the fillings a week later with out me in the room. She was allowed to bring a special friend (toy) with her and she did great. No fussing or crying, they had never seen such a difference in a child. You have to respect your dentist as he does know what he is doing especially if he specializes in pediatrics. Yes is it hard to sit in the waiting room but sometimes our kids will behave differently if we are not there, just ask any preschool teacher. Kids who are perfect angels at home are little demons in school, kids like mine who are bouncing off the walls, never shut up or follow directions from me are the best students following directions to a tee.

I don't think I would go with a dentist that won't allow you in the room-We just found out my 6 year old has 4 caveties and I am going to get a second opinion just to be safe. I think there are many options to consider but I can't imagine the child not being with the parent during a scary procedure.

Honey, they aren't going to hurt her, I was like you the first time my daughter was 5 and had to have surgery, put I came with grips on myself and said this has to be done.
No different if it was her teeth. If you want her teeth to be strong and stay with her longer so her teeth doesn't come in early and push her teeth together, to wear she will have to have brace, when she is older. You have to come to relize that you are helping her not hurting her, she can sence the fear thur you too. So be strong and help you little sweet daughter to become a health young woman.
Thats my advice to you.
God Bless you all. They will not hurt her, reguardless what you think.

It is very normal to have the parents in the waiting room during this procedure. My son was 2 when he had his first filling. His dentist actually gave us the option of either sedation or numbing the area. We opted for the sedation. The dentist said it is sometimes very traumatic at that age to be awake and possibly have to be held down while the procedure is done, than it is to just have them drink a sweet solution, go to sleep and have the procedure done unbeknownst. It was handled very professionally and there was an anesthesiologist there the entire time watching his vitals. They came out from time to time and told us how things were going, and the procedure was done in about 30 minutes. We were a little nervous about it, but we were very pleased with the caring and attention our son and our family was shown. He slept a lot that day upon returning home, and he was very much unaware of having the procedure. He was fine the next day and has never shown any side effects from the sedation.

first of all, even though you take good care of their teeth, some people just have "bad" teeth. My husband is like that. He brushes and flosses better than I do, but he just doesn't have very good teeth. So, you are doing the right thing, Mom!!

Secondly, it does depend on the dentist. When my daughter had her first one, they did let me in and I believe they let her sit on my lap. She did ok. The laughing gas did help and the cavity was small since they got it early. But, also, when she had sealants put on later, I know the nurse said it would be better if I stayed outside. That way there would only the two people in there telling her what to do.

I would talk to the denist beforehand and voice your concerns. Remember, too, that sometimes your concern can make it worse for her. If she sees you scared, then is scares her. That is probably why the suggest you wait outside. If she's had a good experience and knows the dentist well, I would try to stay out for the proceedure.

Just some thoughts. Good luck!!

I know a lot of times the Dentists don't like the parents to go back when they are ding something like this because the parents have a tendancy to cry and it freaks out the children. I am not saying you would, however a lot of parents don't make the children very comfortable. It will only take a couple of minutes and then she will be done.
Good Luck!

My son is now 3, but one year ago he had all four front teeth replaced with crown due to decay on the backs of them. Our dentist tried with gas, but he screamed and became uncontrollable, even on the papoos board, he busted out of the velcro!! We went to St. Vincent Carmel where they had an anesthesiologist in the room the entire time, but we were not allowed to go past the recovery room area with him. It was terribly hard and the longest 2 hours of my life, but he was fine. It was much better than watching him suffer in the dentist office and fight what was going on. They won't even remeber this. Heck, my son ate an apple that same afternoon after the procedure, skin and all. If you trust your dentist, you should be fine. Good luck.

As someone who was in the Pediatric Dental filed for a about 4 yrs., I was a dental assistant. Often times the kiddos, while sedated can act in a manner that may make the parents think they are in pain, when they are not and will not remember a thing. Also the Dentist and staff will be able to get the job done faster without a worried parent in the mix. The dental staff is aware you are worried and they will take terrific care for your little one. It is just easier to get things done quicker without a mom or dad hovering, not saying you would.

Yes, it is normal for parents to be restricted from the room during a medical procedure. Sometimes the family member becomes a distraction to the procedure. Case in point, a parent friend of mine fainted and hit her head during her child's procedure and the doctor ended up having to stitch up the mom before taking care of the kid.
Relax. Your child will be well taken care of.

my son is 5 and has several cavities regaurdless of how clean we keep his teeth, when i took him to the dentist he put caps on them, he said they are baby teeth & will fall out anyway and he didn't see the need of using fillings & putting him through all that pain when caps keep them from getting worse & once the caps are on if he eats or drinks anything cold/hot it won't bother his teeth, it has been a little over a year now and he hasn't complained at all since he's had them. if your guts are telling you to hold off, no matter how overpretective others see you, you're her mom & gut feelings usually tend to be very great indicators. you can go to PDRHealth.com and look up any medications & side effects for ALL medications, prescribed, over the counter, & herbal. good luck.

When my daughter was three years old we had a similar situation. We didn't feel comforable about the idea of not being able to be in the room with her. We actually were able to find a pediatric dentist who was able to do the work without sedating her and she did perfectly! We lived on the west coast at the time so you'll have to do some footwork and make some phone calls. We had to drive almost an hour to see this dentist, but it was well worth it. Good luck and God bless!

Hi O.,

My name is D. and I am the mother of 8 and grandmother of 2 and 7/9ths! My oldest daughter is due in May, and I am a young grandmommy, I might add! :) Any parent that cares for their child only wants whats best, and that's ok! And worrying about your child is a big part of that! If you trust this dentist, then let him do the work. I am guessing the reason they won't let you back there with the medication is because children don't always wake-up or become coherent again like adults do. I have had several of my children have surgery and I was not allowed back with them until they were awake and not upset any longer. The nurse told me there was a name for the way children wake up after being medically put to sleep, but I can't remember it...but I have seen it. To a parent it could be kind of scary to see your child upset while waking up, but they do get over it quickly. My oldest had her tonsils removed when she was 4 and I explained to her that she would feel funny when she woke up, but if she stayed calm then they would let me come back there sooner. After her surgery I went to the recovery room and she told me she remembered what I said and she hadn't cried! Maybe if you explain this to your daughter it will help her. Also, if it would calm your daughters and your fears, maybe they would let you stay while she took the medicine and then leave. It wouldn't hurt to ask. Good Luck and God Bless. Everything will be OK!

we are not to trust our children to brush their own teeth until they are about 6-7

yes, we need to allow them to practice - but we need to make sure we brush them well at least twice a day :) maybe you are already doing that - but thought I'd pass on the advice I got from others.

To my dismay, my son got his first cavity when he was about four. I have dental anxiety myself but I try not to push my fear on my kids. Like your at dentist office, I was not allowed to go back in the room with him. (Really it makes sense if you think about it because you will just be a BIG distraction for her). I was so nervous but I told him it would be fine. He seemed a bit nervous but he came out of the dentist office just fine. It didn't seem like a big deal at all to him. Plus, he thought it was funny that his lip was numb. I think what you are feeling is fairly normal. My suggestion...if she is nervous see if they will let her take her favorite blankie or stuffed animal (I would call first so you don't tell her it's ok and then it's not). She may even find comfort in wearing her favorite pair of jammies. If she is not nervous...don't give her any reason to feel like she could be. Kids learn alot about how/what they "should" feel through us. The immulate us. As for you...try to stay as calm and reassuring for her as possible. Don't make too big a deal about the cavaties and take a book or something to keep you occupied while you wait. Good luck!

My 3 year old had her first cavity a few months ago. All I can say is that she did great, no gas, I was in the room. If you are not comfortable with them not letting you be in the room, then switch dentists!

My children's dentist uses these pads on the face that numb the area. When the pad is removed the numbness goes away. My son has no problems at all. Ask your doctor about it.