Both myself and my husband have "teeth issues" and have had since we were little. So I knew we would be taking our son in to see a dentist early and on a very regular basis in hopes to avoid things down the road. He had his second cleaning and check up last week and the dentist found a small cavity on one of his very back molars. She mentioned it as needing further treatment, so when I went to check-out I was expecting them to mention scheduling it. It happened that the usual gal who runs the front was busy with another client so someone else took care of everything but never mentioned the cavity appointment. Friday I got a call asking me to schedule an appointment to have it fixed. But as time has gone one I am worried that this may be something I don't really need to do. They are baby teeth after all and they will be replaced. Not to mention we can't really afford any more bills at the moment!
I guess I am looking for advice on what other moms have done in this situation. I know that if I want to avoid future teeth issues I should start off right, but how early is "right" for fillings and such. And I can't imagine my sons reaction to getting a shot in his mouth to numb the area - right now he loves the dentist (crazy I know). So anyone have any advice or such?
Unfortunately, I think you have to fix it, and if it continues to decay until it falls out - and that's a while since it's a molar... it will effect other teeth as well as the permanent ones. I would talk w/ the dentist about how she does this - gas/novacaine??? and what to expect.
One of my girls had a cavity when she was 4. According to the dentist it was tiny and we could decide if we wanted to fix it or not. We decided not (partly because I did not have the money then) and when she went in the next time, it was gone. Sometimes they clean up on their own, I guess from wear on the teeth (I have no idea). Anyway, my other kids have had small cavities. they have never gotten a shot in the mouth. You could ask how they treat these cavities. I guess there is a way they are able to scrap the cavity without having to numb it. When my son had his last year, he said they did something and it did not hurt. My son can be a big baby when it comes to getting hit or hurt so if it had hurt, he would have played it up big time. Also, ask what kind of filling they use. My other daughter had a cavity about 2 yrs ago, again small, and they did whatever magic without needles. I cannot even tell where the cavity was-used a white filling.
I know it sounds crazy, but if it's a small cavity, he can have it filled without a shot. My husband has always done this, and now that he has shared his cavities with me, I do too. When the dentist hits a nerve, they've always been in far enough. It's never caused a problem for either one of us, and really hitting that first nerve, although surprising, is not painful, plus we save a boatload of money that way. If you wait until it's bigger, he'll most likely need the shot. It's a much worse way to go in my opinion. It hurts worse and then you have the numbness, which I hate, plus a bigger bill. GL!
Cavities can be very painful on their own.. Now dentistry for children is much different than it used to be,. The Dentist will explain everything to your child and your child will be fine.
My niece had to have 4 cavities filled after her first visit!~ We were all so worried and she did great.. But it also taught her right away that she was always going to have to take extra good care of her teeth in the future, because she was more likely to end up with cavities than many of her other friends.
I know I always worried about these events and was always surprised at how well our daughter did. I would just try to stay as calm as possible and not make up stories about what it would feel like, since I did not want to tell her it would not hurt in case there was a little pain. I would tell her I would be there but I would need to sit quietly while the Dentist and her assistant were doing their job.
I also always took a book to read to our daughter while we were in the waiting room. I would start it a few days before so that it was a continuation of something she was familiar with.. IF the Doctor or Dentist allowed, I would read during a procedure or at least in between procedures..
I am sending you strength..
I was traumatized as a kid at the dentist and also wanted my kids to have a better experience than I did.
I have found a wonderful family dentist and we all go at the same time (so I will go). :)
She found a cavity on my 6 year olds molar and said that all of her molars had "fever spots". I assumed that they were baby teeth, but our Dr. explained that these do not fall out and she should get it filled. Our dentist said that she would refer us to a Ped. dentist, but I want our daughter to trust our dentist as we will be with her for the long haul. My daughter was fine, I was the one crying in the reception area! I then had all of her molars sealed and we have not had a problem since. She even brushes better now because I remind her that she does not want another cavity.
I've been a hygienist for 15 years. You have to fix the baby tooth! He'll have it until he's about 12! Not only will it continue to decay, which will spread to other teeth, but very likely get infected (abscessed) needing a baby root canal or extraction which will then need a spacer to maintain space for the permanent tooth to come in. Infection can spread and be dangerous. It is considered neglect to not fix childhood decay. Learn and educate yourself about how to prevent more decay. Decay is the parents' fault & not the kid's until they are at least age 12. Even if they are "cavity prone" decay is preventable with good oral hygiene (Rx fluoride, mom/dad brushing their teeth & gums twice a day, flossing for them) and limiting frequency of all snacks not just sugary ones, but especially juices & sweets. Gotta get it fixed.
Hi S.,
I went through the same thing with my son when he was 2. It does seem like a waste because they are baby teeth but it is something that you need to get done. If you don't it could cause all kinds of nasty problems. Talk to your dentist and ask them what the risks are of not getting the cavity fixed. I think it's worth every penny to fix it now!!!
On another note, I might be able to help you with your dentist bill. I do discount plans for dental, medical, vision, RX and more. You can save up to 80% on all your dental needs! If you are interested please let me know and I will get you more information!
Good luck!
T. D.
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you say preschooler how old is your son? my oldest has a late birthday so he was 5 and in preschool and had his 6 year molars those are permanent. Is it on one of his two year molars? if its on the surface I know he will loose them but have you considered getting them sealed it may save you money in the long run. My oldest has gotten a filling and it was so small he did need novicaine. he was fine without. They told him to raise his hand if he had any discomfort so they could put his tooth to sleep and take care of the bad sugar bugs without anymore pain but he did just fine and was done in no time and still loves the dentist. If he has large very deep grooved molars and is prone to cavities you may want to consider the sealant to help in the future.
My daughter was 3 for her first visit and it went well. A few months ago she went for her check up at 4 years old and they found a very small cavity on one of her back molars. Our dentist recommended not to do anything unless it gets bigger. So she had her come back for a check up three months after that visit, it was still the same. Now she is suppose to go back for check ups every six months to make sure it doesn't get any worse.
