Cavity - Reading,PA

just took my 3yr old son to a pediatric dentist and they were filling a cavity on a very young child...and the child was definitely not put to sleep and was doing fine

dentist's name is Rachel Maher and she is in DE (Foulk Rd) but it close to NJ

Hi S.,

I would get a second opinion on that one, my friends daughter had a filling done at about that age and they did not have her put to sleep. My cousins son has also had a decent amount of dental work but they have never put him to sleep he has taken something to relax him but not put him to sleep.

Hope that helps. Good Luck!!

Keep me posted.

My sister's daughter is nine now, but when she was 2 1/2 years old, she had what they call "bottle mouth." She had quite a few cavaties and they also put her to sleep in the hospital to fill them and she did fine. Her teeth are great now. They also said it was too tramatizing for a child to do this right from the dentist's office.

Hi S.! I have been a dental assistant for 9 years now and have worked on plenty of children with dentist. Children are tough cases for dentist. Some dentist work really well with children and others don't. Dentist often make decisions on their own personal comfort level as well as the behavior of your child. I can't vouch for your daughter as a patient, but if you think she would sit still during the procedure then I would definitely go for a second opinion because there are definitely dentist out there that will fill a filling without sedation. I can't believe they are suggesting that for one filling. Now I could understand if you daughter just won't sit still or she has a case of multiple fillings at one time. It never hurts for you to get a second opinion. If it does make you feel more comfortable if your daughter is sedated it is safe and not a sedation like a major surgery. The most important thing you can do as a parent is keep an extremely positive attitude about the dentist around your children. If they sense any hesitation or fear on your part they play off of that. I am not sure if you take your daughter to a pediatric dentist or not, but usually pediatric dentist work really well with children and understand children's need a little better than a general dentist would. One more thing, you may want to check with your insurance on what type of coverage you have. They may not cover work done in a hospital setting. I hope everything goes well for you and your daughter. If you have anymore questions just let me know. Good luck!

M. L.
www.scrappingwithmichelle.myctmh.com

A friend of mine is a nurse anesthetist, and she describes general anesthesia as "controlled poisoning." I know that's a harsh and scary description, but that IS a very accurate description. General anesthesia is done using very powerful drugs. There are lots and lots of variables for putting children under general, too, since size and weights of children varies so widely.
As far as traumatizing a child goes, I think the hospital and anesthetic experience can be potentially traumatizing, as well.
Seek out a pediatric dentist. My son had a cavity at 5 years of age, and he had his tooth filled using local only. (In our case, our dentist was a close family relation, so my son had a history of trusting his dentist outside of the office.) If it turns out that your child MUST have general anesthesia, I'd only go to a children's facility where their anesthesia department does nothing but put children under.
I may be over-cautious about general anesthesia for children, but I work for hospitals and have heard too many horror stories.
Get a second opinion. See a pediatric dentist with a good reputation.

S., First let me say I worked at a dental office for 7 years.My daughter had a cavity at about that age, the general dentist she was seeing where I worked would have filled it with just novicane, but I took her to a pediatric dentist I thought it would be easier on her. There office is great for kids, tv's in the rooms so you child can watch cartoons or a movie. They use nitrous oxide,which they breath in then they get the needle, which my daughter even though she was awake she didn't even feel.Dr. Goldsmith in Canonsburg area. They are great! Good luck.

Hi S.,

I have a daughter who is 6 1/2 yrs. old now who has had about 5 cavities filled since she was 4 1/2. They were all filled by her pediatric dentist in his office without putting her to sleep. He is so good that she still has no idea that she has ever had a needle put into her gums. He uses both the funny gas and novacaine. I don't know how he does it but all she knows is that he puts princess "spray" on her gums. He spent some time developing her trust and getting her used to the gas mask, etc. Cavities at that age are not usually an emergency so he did not need to fill her first one right away. His name is Dr. Benjamin Mckee and his office is in Devon, PA, (where we used to live) which is about 50 minutes away from here. I still take her there even though we live in Newtown now because she loves him and trusts him. I would definitely get a second opinion before you put her to sleep. Dr. Mckee might be able to recommend someone up here in Bucks County if you are not willing to travel. Just tell him J. Mendoza recommended you. He is really nice and would be happy to help you.

Hi, S.. I understand the turmoil you're going through. My son is also 4 and had a few cavities. I struggled with the idea of putting him under anesthetic for filling cavities. But in the end, I felt bad because my son's teeth were really starting to bother him to the point where he wouldn't eat anything cold or sweets(not like that was a bad thing on my end...). The pediatric dentist does all children under 5 at the hospital for any dental work, like fillings, pullings. The dentist was very understanding and I was able to be with my son till they put him out with the juice he drank. The dentist said that if they didn't fill the cavities the permanent teeth could come in decayed. My son does not remember a thing from that day and when we went back for our check-up he was absolutely comfortable again with the dentist. With everything that has been said, you just have to follow your heart and do what's best for YOUR child. Good luck and my prayers are with you!!

I don't know about the other moms here, but I have never heard of a child being put to sleep at the hospital for a cavity. I know many small children with cavities and none have them have been put to sleep for a cavity. Having it filled so young doesn't even hurt that much because it is a baby tooth.
Please get a second opinion, putting a child under is very serious.

Hi S......I wanted to tell you that a lady i work with is going through the same thing, her daughter is 4 and has 4 cavities. She also was scared to put her daughter to sleep to have this done so she went the other route and just had her numb. She got 2 done and her daughter did pretty good with taking the medicine to help her numb. The second time around was not so easy. She flipped out, she ended up throwing up the juice that she had to do, she wanted no parts of it, so needless to say she didnt get the other 2 done yet. She is waiting another month hoping that she will be a little more excepting of it. Good luck to you. I know its a hard decision, but if you do go through the hospital route and putting her to sleep at least you know your in the hospital if god for bid anything happens. She should be monatiored the whole time there!!! Good Luck!!

My daughter had 2 cavities when she went to her 4 year check up. I went to a pediatric dentist. Not sure if that is what you are diong, but they did it right there. They gave her gas and were great with her.

I don't know if I agree with putting a child to sleep at that age for a cavity but I'm not sure I like the alternatives either. I would take her to a pediatric dentist and see what your options are. My son's dentist took him back into a room and strapped him down to a table, it was the most traumatic thing in my entire life...I didn't know what to do. I was not expecting it and my son was freaking out. They told me to leave the room because it would be better for him. They told me he calmed down after I left but I sat in the waiting room and I was a wreck. It was traumatizing for me, so I'm sure it was traumatizing for him. Ask questions and find out exactly what they plan to do.

Hi S.,
I have an almost 4 year old too and coincidentally, she was just at the dentist yesterday for her check up! Luckily no cavities. But I do have experience with this, my older children (20 and 17) both had fillings done when they were under 5 and neither went to a hospital or were put to sleep. It was done in the pediatric dental office using laughing gas and they weren't traumatized at all. As a matter of fact, my son, when he was just barely 3, was diagnosed with baby bottle syndrome which caused decaying in his front teeth. He had caps put on those teeth to protect them until they were ready to fall out and this was also done in the dentist's office. They don't even remember any of it, and the recovery from the laughing gas is nothing compared to coming out of anesthesia.

I would definitely think about asking around at a few other pediatric facilities before I made a decision, especially since it is obviously weighing on your mind. I would feel worried myself about having her put to sleep, too, and I'm sure it will make you feel better to find out what the norm is for the other pediatric dentists.

Hope that helps a bit and good luck!

I have a daughter who just turned 4.. She has 2 cavaties that need to be filled.. The first dentist we took her 2 wanted to do inpatient and give her like generic valium or do the inpatient sadation in the hospital.. we were gonna do the in office, but still weren't comfortable with that.. So now we took her to a new dentist who is wonderful!! I would recommend him to anybody that's in this area.. He is going to fill her teeth probably 1 at a time unless she cooperates well (fat chance) and he said he will use laughing gas if he has to.. Now this me & my husband were more comfortable with..

Also he took xrays of my 5 yr old & found that she has cavities between her teeth.. I never heard of such a thing cause everywhere we went always said that she had no cavities.. I'm not sure where you are from, but if you want to msg me off list I can give you where we go.. It's an hr drive for us cause we live in Slatington, Pa & He's in Washington, NJ BUT he is definitely worth it..

My advice if you don't feel comfortable with it don't go through with it..

NO NO NO, Go to a pediatric dentist. There is no need to knock out a child for a cavity! They have lasers that can fill them now and all kinds of alternitives. I would take her to a pediatric dentist before anything else. You are absolutly right to be concerned! Tramatizing her at an early age to be "scared" of the dentist is not good either, but their is no need to go the hospital route with this (in my opinion). Trust your gut feeling on this my fellow mommy, I sense from your posting you know this is not what you want to do.

Hi S.;

I have 3 children of my own and 2step. My last child also has gotten cavities and at a young age. I would get a second opinion about filling that cavity. Our dentist used some kind of gas to relax them in the dentist office. It doesn't put them to sleep but makes them very relaxed. I would not go for putting them to sleep for a cavity either. Maybe I'm weird but it's a baby tooth how soon will it be falling out. It might even be eaier to put it instead of filling it. You have more then one option here. Get a second opinion though. Good luck

when my oldest was 3 she had 6 cavitys in her teeth, mostly from falling asleep with her bottle, we took her to dr balta in washington who put her to sleep to get those cavitys fixed. they take her height, weight, bllod pressure, and give her a small shot, then out she goes, and 10 min later she was done, they gave her another shot to wake her up, she was groggy, and slept off and on most of the day. she acted pretty doped up, but it saved her permament teeth from coming in to early, remember we only get 2 sets of teeth, yry to keep the first set as long as possible.

i couldnet imagine getting it done any other way. they are just to little to sit still, they would freak out at the novacane shot, the noise from the drill would drive them nuts, and the whole trip would turn into a barging session with a 4 year old, and you wont win. the dentist knows what they are doing, and your 4 year old wont remember a thing, and will be able to not have to loose teeth any sooner than thet have to.

my name is J. i am 35 with a 4yr old and a 6 yr old. i am a dental hygienist. my 4 yr old has had 3 fillings. her dentist uses nitrous oxide to relax the kids. nitrous will calm your child, it gives an overall feeling of wellbeing..you feel as if you have no cares the dentist is great. her name is elana stavisky. located in haddon hts on haddon ave

Hi my name is D. and I have 3 children. Both of my older children had to be put to sleep to have dental work done and they dont remember any of it. They take them back to the room and put the little mask on them and they fall asleep then they get there IV and put the breathing tube in their mouth and before they wake up it is all removed. The last thing my kids remember is breathing through the BUbble Gum machine. That is what they call it since the air smells like bubble gum. Also my daughter brough home her mask and she plays with it with her babys. It really is safe and the kids dont remember I would let them do it so that the cavity doesnt get any worst. I hope I gave you some help and if you need to ask more my email is ____@____.com

Wow, that seems extreme. My children see the same pediatric dentist that I saw as a child and my daughter had her first cavity in kindergarten, just like me. He didn't even have to numb her with an injection (and I don't remember one either). Have you considered getting a second opinion from a dentist that specializes in children? Perhaps the cavity is deep and they feel it would be best to do under general anesthesia but it couldn't hurt to have someone else's opinion because going to the hospital could be traumatic enough.
Good luck!

Hi S.,

I have never heard of putting a child to sleep for a filling before. I take my kids to a pediatric dentist. Yes...unfortunately all of them have had cavities. My youngest son...who's five has had to have several cavaties filled over the past year, year and a half. But they have never suggested putting him to sleep. My dentist gives him laughing gas...sorry can't remember the technical name for it. The gas helps relaxes him enough so the dentist can fill the cavity.(and he's awake) We've never had a problem doing it that way. The dentist is very good at explaining what is happening so he wasn't scared or surprised at what was happening. And I got to sit in the room with him. Does your dentist specialize in dealing with children? Is your dentist someone you've used a long time and trust? The reason I chose a pediatric dentist was because I didn't want the kids to have the same awful experience I had going to the dentist when I was young. I've been very happy with their dental care. If it's something that upsets you, remember you always have options. Maybe getting a second opinion from another dentist would help you decide what to do. Best of luck finding the right answer for you and your daughter!

Hi, I have five kids, ages 3 to 12 and have gone through this with two of them. My third child had cavities and they referred him to a pediatric dentist. The first pediatric dentist we saw just wanted to put him to sleep in his office. I ended up calling around to see if I could find one that would sedate him and it worked out fine. They gave him something to drink with he had to take within ten minutes and then I had to wait with him for about an hour before the procedure was done. I just had it done again with my fourth child about 6 months ago. I was quite concerned about having them put to sleep and this seemed like the best way to go. Best of luck to you.

I have a 3 year old, and I know that she has a cavity. I have never taken her to a dentist. First, I know that she wont be happy about some stranger looking in her mouth. Second I know that this type of thing is very common and I don't want to have to do that to her. I will not allow them to put her under unless there is no alternative. I was actually putting it off as long as she was not in pain. It is reassuring to know that so many pediatric dentists still do it without general anestesia. I guess I will have to call around and see if I can find someone. Does anyone know of anyone? I live about 40 miles north of Pittsburgh.

Hi S.,

My name is S.. I have two boys, oldest is almost 5 and youngest is 2 1/2 and I am due in Sept. My 2 1/2 yr. old had a cavity back in January. He had two and they were in the front teeth. His dentist (pediatric) filled his cavities without putting him to sleep. Used some topical novicane and then a needle to numb it longer in his office and Brody did pretty good. I was not allowed back in the room with him, I didn't like that part, but he did fine. I definitely would have told him NO, if he wanted to put him to sleep. I would have wait until he was a little older. It scares me to put a child to sleep. I hope this helps with your decision.
S.
http://www.LovePrints.net

I would get a second opinion. My daughter had 3 cavities filled when she was 4. It was performed at the dentist office, she had no problems. My daughter needs to have surgery on her ear and the surgeon will not do it until she is 6, he stated she was to young to be put to sleep.

I havent had this yet. My daughter who is 4 and 1/2 has only been to the dentist once. She refused to open her mouth. I am looking for a pedicatric dentist but I am having a hard time finding one who takes both of our insurrances. So i am still looking.

I understand not wanting to put her to sleep and also not wanting to truamatize her. I was tramatized at the dentist and since I turned 18 have only been to a dentist once. I know its bad but i have anixety attacks and panic attacks going to the dentist. I took my daughter once and she wouldnt even open up so the dentist said to go to a pedicatric dentist but i havent found one yet. Good luck!

This is what happened with our daughter when she had a cavity. We were sent to Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh to get them all done. Now that she is older the dentist does it right there with the nitrous gas.

It was not that bad. Ashleigh drank this stuff that made her sleepy. Then, once she was asleep she was carried back to where she was worked on. One of us was there with her. If you need to talk, let me know.