My Son Needs Major Dental Work

Poor little guy! I would suggest using a homeopathic remedy for alleviating stress for kids. Good ones are:
Rescue Remedy and Calms Forte. Try googling both to find where they are in your area.

Maybe let him watch a DVD with headphones while they work on his mouth, or maybe music? A good pediatric dentist probably has a lot of suggestions - and maybe even some meds that can help?

Best,
C.

Hi Toni-
You need to take him to a pediatric dentist. A good one will use nitrous or a tranquillizer for your child. We all hate needles, and it sounds as though your child's visit was not handled correctly, and that he experienced pain. Diaper him next time, and transfer Dr.'s. Make sure that you are in there with him, holding his hand. He will not get over his fear right away, now. (Some Dr.s still hold to the outmoded belief that children don't feel pain, and do not numb, or, heaven help us, do not give any sedative for dental work on children. I had one of those. No injections- nothing. My little fingernails ripped the leather on his chair covers. I hate dentists, but I go. They have to give me nitrous.) Don't talk to your child about how it will hurt. Tell him you'll be taking him out for (milkshake, ice cream?) whatever he'll be able to eat that he likes afterward. You know that it's a pain to go. The food should not need chewing, and preferably be cold, to help with the pain. Ask your new Dr. about a little tylenol just before to cut down on the swelling. Hope it helps- S.

Hi Toni,

I'm sure it's a very scary thing for your little guy...and no fun for you to see how scared he is. Have you thought of using hypnotherapy for him? I know there is a woman who may be listed on the mamasource business page who is a hypnotherapist and works with children. Her name is Mary. It could be worth giving her a call to see if she can help him.
Also, I know it's hard for you, but what messages are you sending your son, either directly or inderectly? With your words, or facial expressions, tone, body language? Kids can pick up on our emotions really quickly and turn it inward. Show your compassion and empathy of course, but pay close attention to how you are helping him through this. He needs to know mommy is very secure with this situation. It will help him feel more comfortable and brave. You can also look for books about kids visiting the dentist. They can usually help little ones feel more calm about it. Finally, is his dentist a pediatric dentist who understands children and can make them feel more calm? That could make a difference as well.
Some children are more sensitive and have a harder time with things that are out of the ordinary. You can only do your very best and maybe try something that maybe you normally wouldn't try - as long as it's safe and makes sense!
I wish you and your son lots of good energy during his experience.

In peace,
A.
mom of 4

Why did your dentist not put him under oral sedation and get all the dental work done at one time one visit..... That is what I would be requesting now! It is scary when they come out but let me tell you it is alot better than what you wrote. Call them today and make those arrangements for your baby and if that dentist cannot do it then find another Pediatric Dentist who can and will for the sake of the child. There is no reason for a Pediatric Dentist to put YOUR child thru this turmoil and make him so frightened that he pee'd his pants... Our 5 yr old grandson went thru this and we had them do all of his dental work in one day under oral sedation. I urge you to call them and make that appt.

I don't know if finances were an issue, but the money you pay for the sedation is absolutely worth it. My daughter has been through major dental work twice already, and she's only 5. Both times she was under sedation and trust me, it wasn't cheap. I'm talking 225$ out of pocket, not covered by insurance, and required up front before appts could be made. I scrimped and saved to get it together and I'm really glad I did. Both times the dentist was able to get all the work done in one appt. Luckily she has no memory of the work that was done and she still loves to go to the dentist for regular appts. I'm so sorry for what you went through with your son. It's so hard to see them suffer, even if it's necessary. I'm sure you'll find a way to get him through it. Good luck to you both.

unfortunately my 3 and 4 yo sons have a few cavaties too and will be having IV sedations. We go to Valley Pediatric Dentists in Ahwatukee, but their other office in Mesa is the one that will be doing the big work.

He needs more done? I go to West valley Pediatric Dental. They use anesthesia. (Not to be taken lightly) I have had positive experiences with them. They use BPA free sealants.
West valley has 3 branches..and could refer probably, if you live far.

I don't know if it was a children's dentist but sound like he needs one or a new one. I abolultly love our pediatric dentist. She is amazing and has seen my son twice for emergency visits with no appointment. My kids look forward to going to the dentist. My oldest asks me all the time when his next appointment is. Arrowhead Childrens Dentistry. ###-###-####.

A good pediatric dentist would sedate a child before doing that kind of work on a child. Depending where you live, I highly recommend Dr. Lidieth Libby, she's at Desert Ridge. Her phone # is: ###-###-#### My daughter has always been terrified of the dentist. I switched to Dr. Libby's office and now my daughter is fine with the dentist. She's so good with the kids. My daughter recently had teeth pulled, but Dr. Libby sedated her first and everything went just fine.

Toni,
I have heard so many bad stories about little ones and dentists. I would suggest getting a second and maybe third opinion from other reputable dentists. Pulling teeth at 3 is not acceptable. They should ALWAYS allow the parent to go back with the child. You don't want him to be terrified and hate the dentist this early.
Good luck,
D.

Hi Toni -

May I ask why they want to pull a 3 year old's teeth? His permanent teeth should not be coming into until he is about 6. If they pull his teeth, what do they expect him to eat with?

I know having dental work done on a young child is a big controversial issue and I am one that prefers to let nature take it's course - unless there is alot of pain, of course.

I did not take my children to the dentist until they were 5. All 3 have beautiful teeth and none of them have needed braces or anything else. My daughter, who is 20 now, has never even had a cavity.

Blessings,

M. M. Ernsberger, HHP
Certified Herbalist

Poor darling. The best thing you can give him (and you) is Calmazon. It is an all-natural herbal blend that calms emotional and physical tension. It also relieves pain. For faster recovery after he has treatments you could also add Recovazon, another herbal formula. They are both completely safe for both of you and I would recommend them a million times more than any pharmaceutical because they are whole nutrition for the body. If you want more information or a web link feel free to contact me.

We go to Arrowhead Desert Dental and the reason we like them is that they practice conservative dentistry. They prefer to leave things alone unless absolutely necessary. For example I had a cavity on my wisdom tooth. They were the only ones who agreed to fill the cavity instead of pulling it out. I really don't think a 3 year-old should be having a tooth pulled unless it is ABSOLUTELY necessary. I would get a 2nd opinion from a conservative dentist before continuing with this.