Dental Problems

First of all why is he fixing teeth that aren't permanent, that's the question that needs to be answered?

Dear D.
I wouldn't risk a procedure that is potentially life-threatening (even tho the percentage is small) to correct baby teeth that will fall out in 4 years anyway? In my youth, when something was wrong with baby teeth we just were thankful it was just the baby teeth. Please do get more opinions from someone you trust to be looking out for your welfare, and not just needing your business. I have a friend whose daughter was seriously mentally derailed by a dentist's anesthesia. I cringe whenever I see an ad for sedation dentistry. Sincerely, J.

Hi D.,
I'm sorry to hear that you and your daughter are going through this. I do have a story to share, though it is not related to dental work. I would like to preface my story by saying that my son's surgery was performed at UCSF, one of the top children's hospitals in the country. My son was born 11 weeks early and had an inguinal hernia (relatively common w/ male preemies). He needed surgery to fix it before his supposed due date. He was due 7/22, and he had the surgery on 7/1. He was given full anesthesia and intubated. Our pediatrician referred us to a surgeon with whom we spoke at length. I spoke to her about my concerns regarding anesthesia, and we talked about the anesthesiologist and his qualifications and experience. I was also assured that he would be watching our son like a hawk the entire time. The hospital actually expected us to take our son home after the sugery, but I explained to them ahead of time that they would recommend that he stay for one night in the NICU (making sure our insurance would pay for it), and they did. I wanted my then six pounder hooked up to monitors the night after his anesthesia. The surgery went well -- no complications -- and he is now a happy almost five year-old. I have also heard that pediatric dentists routinely use anesthesia when doing extensive work on young children (more like ages 3-6) so that the dentist can actually do the work and so that kids do not develop a fear of the dentist. That being said, you are right to be concerned about anesthesia. I would suggest (I'm not a med professional, though) finding out from your pediatrician and dentist more specifically what anesthesia options are available to you and to what extent each has been studied in children. There are several different ways to put someone under. I would then speak to the anesthesiologist (a pediatric one, I would hope, as kids are not small adults and their bodies can react quite differently from ours) and make sure that you are comfortable with him/her. Research this doc's credentials and make sure he/she has no blemishes on his/her record. I have no idea if dental procedures can be done in a children's hospital, but if they can, I personally would feel better being at a children's hospital where plenty of ped specialists were around. In my son's case, we had to go with surgery or he could have ended up with a dangerous situation with his intestine. That risk was higher than the risk from anesthesia, especially since he was at a top hospital with a top surgeon and top pediatric anesthesiologist. I don't know what is wrong with your daughter's teeth and what the risks are of not treating them now. Perhaps a different dentist will offer less aggressive options? Just be sure to know all of your options and the ramifications of each one. No matter what, anesthesia will feel scary. I still can see the exact scene in my head of when I handed my son, who was not even supposed to be out of my womb yet, to the nurse in the OR. I got a sick feeling right now just thinking about it! At the time, despite my fear, I felt in my gut that we were okay. Definitely listen to your gut, and don't worry what any doctor/dentist thinks of you. Find med professionals you trust, gather info about the docs and procedural options, consider getting a second and even third opinion, research potential facilities, and go with your gut. I wish you and your daughter the best and send my prayers.
K.

Get a second opinion for sure. I dont like the anesthesia for kids. I dont like nitrous oxide for kids either - its like an acid trip. does the work really need to be done? Maybe theres a creative solution.

Stick to your guns- good luck!

Our daughter had 'conscious sedation' to pull some impacted teeth, but this was not until she was over 5 years old (and it was traumatic for both of us). Is her dentist a pediatric dentist? I'm not sure what teeth issues would need to be dealt with this early in her development. Have you thought about getting a second opinion?

Hi D. C.
I hope I am sending this to the right person, as this is my first time doing this. First of all you need to know what is wrong with your child's front teeth at such an early age.
I wouldn't worry too much about her teeth right because She is going to shed those perhaps by age 5 or 6, then I would consider taking the next step if they are still in bad shape.

I hope this helps
Have a Blessed day,

i have not had this issue with dental work, but my 17 month old little girl had to be put under for an MRI. It was heartbreaking to experience the holding her and having her go under in my arms. i cried and felt sick. she woke up very hungry and angry about being hungry. she ate a lot that night and we let her eat whatever made her happy (meat, bread, veg, cheese, waffels). no long term bad effects have been noted. i know this does not answer the dental aspect of your request...

Hi D.. I'm having similar issues with my 2 year old right now. I took him to a pediatric dentist here in Stockton and he recommended all sorts of stuff done under general anesthesia. The sheer amount of work just floored me so I took him to my dentist, who said most of it was unnecessary and too aggressive for a little guy his age. I can't tell you how relieved I was to hear that. Please, go with your gut and have your daughter checked by another dentist or 2, then decide on the best course of action.

Hi D.!

I wish I had more information about your dilemna. Did your daughter fall, or something? How bad is it? Is this dentist a Pediatric Dentist?

Well, I think by you posting your worries, you've answered your own question. Something inside doesn't feel right about this "whole dentist thing".

Another Dr's opinion may be the same thing. BUT at least you would know and feel better about it.

It must be REALLY bad for them to want to put out a 17 month baby, to work on teeth she hasn't even had for very long. If it is that bad, then it probably is best. But if it's for anything simple, like cleaning, don't do it.

Good Luck

:o) N.

I had to do the same to my son when he was about 2.5. I remember being so scared, and his dentist at the time would not allow me to go back with him. I can understand why they like to sedate the kids. Without it the kids would be too scared to allow the dentist to do their job.

The procedure went smoothly and he was fine. Looking back, I would have insisted being there with him. I understand the Dentists are concerned with the parents getting in the way but as a parent, you have rights. I now accompany my kids to all their dental appointments. My son is now 12.

Good luck, Jen

D., General anesthesia can be scarry, but if the work needs to be done I would prefer to have my baby asleep. The intubation done by a competent doctor is no big deal. I worked in the NICU for 14 years and saw intubation after intubation without any problems and without any repercutions. Talk to your anesthesiologist and get comfortable with him or her. And try to relax. Good luck to your little girl. May she grow up beautiful and healthy. God bless you both.

Hi,

I was a foster mom to an 18 month old whose teeth had rotted and chipped away. We had her put under to cap her teeth. It took a bit to get her to go under but the procedure went well and she looked so much better with her capped teeth. I wouldn't worry about it as long as you're happy with your dentist.

P.

What!!? That sounds really weird to me. I wouldn't risk it. Get a second (and a third and a fourth) opinion. What's wrong with her teeth anyway?

There are cases (like my niece) where bottle-mouth or a similar issue produces bacterial decay that is not only damaging the baby teeth, but can lead to further health and dental issues if left unchecked. Our niece had to go under anesthesia around age 3 to have her top front teeth removed and a spacer put in to ensure there would be room when her permanent teeth come in. (my sister-in-law opted not to have fake metal teeth put in.) But my niece is the exception, and not the rule for dental work on little ones. And 17 months sounds way too young. Call around for second and third opinions. Most kiddos don't even need to see a dentist until they are 2 or 3 unless there are symptoms that suggest an underlying dental issue to be addressed. (You'll notice most dental insurance plans won't even cover children under 3.) I know that when you look it up online, the American Academy of Dentistry recommends 2 visits to the dentist per year, starting at the age of one. Further reading reveals that their reasoning is cavity prevention, and they cite 1 in 4 children as having cavities by age 4. The state of California requires that a child have a dental visit at age 5, much later than the ADA's recommendation. Frankly (not to offend anyone) I'm sure that cavities in children so young goes hand in hand with child obesity issues and the poor dietary choices that are often chosen or permitted. I can't tell you how many kiddos I've seen with softdrinks in their bottles instead of milk or water or a water and juice mix. I have watched quite a few parents and grandparents empty caffeinated colas into bottles, or sugary syrupy "juice drinks" or "punches." I also see really really young kids having lots of candy, including the under 2's. Additionally, I've seen a number of studies from different states and countries that more or less conclude that bottle feeding (as opposed to breast feeding) in general, puts a child at higher risk for higher levels of dental caries and other infant/toddler illnesses. I think if you are providing a healthy diet and cleaning your kiddo's teeth, and the dentist has not cited any specific medical or developmental/hereditary necessity for the procedure, that it might be best to wait, and ask your pediatrician as well as other dentists what they think. Gook luck!

Yes, general anesthesia is scary at any age, but especially so when it is your child. Both of my sons were born with inguinal hernias, which were repaired at 21 hours old (first) and 19 days old (second). If the surgery is necessary, then the anesthesia and intubation are routine components. Just make sure that the entire team is experienced with babies and that you feel comfortable with the procedure and everyone involved. Listen to your mommy intuition. Good luck!

my boy stephen, brest feed tell he was almost 2 too n then the doctor told me he had cavaties. i had already had him nursing only at night so i slowly broke him off the rest of the way n then, i had to have help getting him him in but 3 visits later he had to caps put on n 4 of his front teeth removed.. cap,ok tooth, 4 bad teeths, ok tooth, cap... right on his front/top of his mouth so he had the 4 pulled. it took about an hr n 15 min to put the 2 caps on he hated the hole thing n screemed the hole time. n that was jan 25 alittle more then 4mnths after his 2nd birthday. n my boy was the same way so we were as suprized as you probley where when we where told he has cavities. so far he is doing good, had noight mairs about it all for a while after the fact but he is good now. we brush his teeth after we eat, i let them use the mouth wash for kids too. isaac, has it down, stephen is still learning, but doing good too. good luck n hope things get better, from a mom who has gone though with it all n came out ok.. your friend, P. E. Rogers ps. isaac will have one tooth pulled on may 15th 4days before his b-day, but other then that they are doing much better on the teeth thing.

i'm just being another annoying echo but that sounds all wrong. what is the issue with her teeth. you have good reason to be concerned. that is much too young for dental work....on baby teeth that are going to fall out anyways....on a 17-month-old. i would get lots of other opinions. best wishes to you.

I worked for a pediatric dental specialist. All I can say is that they will be so very careful with your baby. And you must know that at her age there is no way they could do the work they need to do without her being out. If you feel that this is too agressive in her sedation, you can ask for other opinions. There are different types of sedation. However, under general anesthesia, her heart rate, etc, will be so carefully monitored that there are actually more precautions taken that way. She'll go to sleep and be mad when she wakes up because she won't understand, but it should be fine and way less traumatic for her this way. But, like I said, if you feel uncomfortable about it, as the parent, you have the right to ask all the questions.
My daughter went through dental hell and it would have been better for her if she had just been konked out. She is 21 and still traumatized by the dentist. Although she has perfectly healthy teeth. She was never a willing patient.

Take care and good luck!

Hi D.,

My little one just had surgery on her club feet last Tuesday. She was gassed and then had an IV to keep her under. She, too, was intubated to make sure everything went ok with her breathing. Abigail was only 6 weeks old, and she got through it :o) I KNOW how you feel, TRUST ME. She will be perfectly fine, though, I promise. I just kept thinking to myself, "They have done this procedure so many times before now." I will be praying for you! Good luck with everything and let us know how the procedure went!

~A.~

Hi D. ~
Are these her baby teeth? If they are I'd just let them come out naturally. I'm not sure I've ever heard of a child at this young age getting their teeth fixed. Anesthesia worries me also at this young age. I would get a second opinion. Best of luck!

My husband is an oral surgeon and he would almost NEVER put a child that age under, without going to the hospital operating room. Are you going to a specialist? Have you check his/her board status? Are there any lawsuits againt the DDS? I would at aminimum get a second opinoon. Is this a required procedure? Why fix baby teeth? I am not a dentist, juist married to a specialist who treats his patients like his kids--and in 99% of cases he would not put a 17 month old under.

Hi D.,

For those who are advising waiting for the teeth to fall out they may not realize that there are circumstances that sometimes happen that make this an unwise choice. For example, some babies have the issue where the enamel on the tooth (commonly the front four teeth) is very weak and damaged. With breastfed babies breastfeeding has NOTHING to do with it. However, when the enamel is poorly developed it can cause the child pain with eating or drinking. In these circumstances it is not appropriate to wait - it needs to be taken care of immediately as other health issues can occur and the pain with eating can cause serious problems for the child.

So - that being said: my youngest has cost me a small fortune with dental issues and needing braces by age 9. When he was barely 12 mo old (like 4 days after his first b-day) he had his first surgery to put crowns on his front 4 top teeth. The enamel was peeling off and one front tooth literally broke off it was so fragile. He was unable to tolerate eating solids due to the pain, and could not tolerate anything touching his teeth - which presented a tooth cleaning problem... I noticed the problem at about 9 months when his top teeth came in...

The ONLY way to do this surgery (which goes very quickly btw) is to put them under. It is scary - I won't lie to you. But, if they are good (and I hope you did your research) then she will be fine. Make sure you are right there when she comes out of anesthesia...she may want to nurse - that is fine. Don't let them tell you she can't - because she can. She should be fine - this is a scary thing...but my advice is to be with her when they put her under - and be there when she comes out. My youngest really fought the mask they needed to use over his nose and mouth to help him go to sleep so they could do the surgery. So we sang to him - the Sesame Street song! Imagine all the Dr's and nurses and the anesthesiologist singing the Sesame Street song to make him laugh and not be afraid...it was cool! However, it was very hard to watch him go out... We've had to do 3 more procedures since then and it doesn't get any easier even tho I know he will be fine...

This may help you to know that you are not alone...I'm not gonna tell you, tho, that it isn't a big deal when in reality, to our mommy heart - it is. Your daughter will be fine...and they should treat her well. Just do your best to get through it...honor your feelings...

Call me if you want to talk - I've been there in your shoes...hang in there!

Warmly,
J. Simpson, IBCLC, CIIM
www.breastfeedingnetwork.net
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Both of my kids nursed until age four and both required major dental work. They both also got their teeth in extremely early. I don't link those causally, just so you know that I have been in your shoes quite precisely. With my son, he underwent sedation at age three. With my daughter, she had to be sedated at 18 months and again at age 3.5. By the time she was 15 months old I could look in her mouth and *see* all the cavities in her mouth. They covered her front teeth and all the chewing surfaces. People can say it is just baby teeth, but those are the only teeth they have at really critical times in their development of tastes and preferences. In our cases, this was not a matter of cosmetics.

I would like to know how many of the posters who recommend doing nothing have lived with six, ten, or twelve cavities in their mouths without doing anything? I don't mean to be too critical -- my kids have never even had antibiotics, they were born at home, and I fully understand the general distrust of the medical establishment. But sometimes the comfort of your kids has to trump fear and distrust. Untreated cavities can *hurt.* A lot.

That said, the anesthesiologist who attended my kids gave IV sedation, and I don't believe either of them were intubated, though I don't know for sure. If you would like a recommendation of a dentist for a second opinion email me off list and I will send you our info.

Good luck. It is very scary to watch your babies go through this, and I highly recommend that you bring another adult with you to the appointment for moral support. I sobbed through all three procedures I was so frightened, but it all turned out ok for my children.

Bottom line: if you can avoid this, great, but if your child needs it, don't let your fears overwhelm you.

Why does she need her teeth fixed? Is she getting something else in a bottle that has affected her teeth badly. I would most certainly get another opinion. I wouldn't do it.

I have 5 kids. They all breastfed and it didn't hurt their teeth. They didn't have any cavities till they started eating sugar.

Hi D.,

I have to agree with the other responses. Dental work on a 17 month old sounds very odd to me. These are baby teeth that will be lost soon enough. Unless the work being done will provide some benefit for permanant teeth in the future I would, without doubt, ask for 2nd and 3rd opinions.

I would at the very least get a 2nd & 3rd opinion from RECOMMENDED dentists, those that friends of yours trust. Is there a hereditary issue that would cause a breastfed baby to have dental issues already? Seriously, I would hold off any further discussion with your current dentist until you've seen others. I've talked with 2 different dentists about WHEN to even take my 20-mth old to his FIRST dental appt & both of them said not until at LEAST 2 years old. DS has had teeth since he was 4 mths old & we have a hereditary gum issue in our family. Unless I can visually see problems, then I'm not bothering with a dentist until at least his 2nd birthday.

Hi D.,

You have done a wonderful job of breastfeeding your child for so long. So congratulations on that but my dear, it is time to stop. Start using a cup and talk to her about her being a "big girl" now and move on. Please do not let anyone mess with her baby teeth or give any drug or anesthesia. She is way too young to do "cosmetic" surgery. It is not necessary. Her baby teeth are coming out around age 5 or 6 anyway. And remember - never let anyone talk you into something that is wrong for your child. You are her Mother and your gut instinct has already told that is not necessary.
Good luck!!

Hi D.,

I'm going through the same thing, but our daughter is 21 months old. We just stopped nursing about a month ago because we discovered her cavities.
:(

The dentist we chose does not put children under 4 to sleep - maybe you should call them to get a 2nd opinion? Although we can't be in the room during the procedure, he's been practicing for 20 yrs and I've spoken to several parents that have been taking their children there. So, I do feel safe.
He gives a mild anestetic and has never had a child have a bad reacation to.

www.dds4kids.com

Please share whatever info you get with me, I'd love to hear it!

Thanks, Blessings,
M.

What is the issue with her teeth??

My son had dental problems when he was about 2 years of age. His 3 front needed to be repaired and I too was freaked out about putting him under at such a young age. What we opted to do was use verset (not sure of the spelling) and novicain (not sure of that spelling either)He was fine until they started working on him and he threw a fit screaming and crying for about 40 minutes. I remember it seemed to take forever but they did a fantastic job. You would think he'd be tramatized over this event but he actually doesn't mind going to the dentist and let me tell you.. He's had lots of work done on his teeth!