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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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