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Original poster

Taking a toddler to an emergency dental appointment - no childcare

13 replies

mills81 · 13/10/2024 08:16

I've been back and forth to the dentist lately as I am having persistent toothache on a tooth that needs root canal but the dentist won't do it at the moment as I'm pregnant and I would need a lot of X-rays so has just been cleaning it out and putting a temp dressing on, I've had 2/3 courses of antibiotics and it might be better for a week or 2 but the severe toothache always comes back. It always flares up on a weekend too for some reason. I'm in agony one again and absolutely fed up, it needs to come out now, I'm not waiting until after match after I've had baby with the persistent pain.

I want to try and ring tomorrow to get emergency appointment but my issue is I have little to no childcare next week, my parents who are my only reliable childcare are on holiday all week and my partner is away for work. My 3 year old will be in nursery on Thursday but I can't face waiting until then in this pain (and can't guarantee I would get an appointment that day anyway). Has anyone ever took a 3 year old along with them to an emergency dental appointment? If I downloaded something for him to watch prior I think he would still still and watch it, he's pretty well behaved. I'm just at a loss. There really is nobody else I have who could look after him. I wouldn't expect an extraction to take too long?

OP posts:
downwindofyou · 13/10/2024 08:21

Pretty sure dental x-rays are considered safe when in the second trimester.

You would be given a lead apron to cover your body.

It's not a usual scenario.

downwindofyou · 13/10/2024 08:21

An

MumChp · 13/10/2024 08:25

My dentist would make it work in an emergency but I would try one of the FB groups or nanny apps for a last minute babysitter. She can meet with you at the dentist and take of the child in the waiting room.
Pregnancy isn't an issue for x ray and treatment. Your dentist will know how to handle it.

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3 year olds Antenatal & postnatal Childcare & nursery Dental health
Ibouncetothebeat · 13/10/2024 08:27

I've taken my DS for a family appointment. They saw him first then sat him on a chair for my turn and he watched mine. When I had an xray they asked if he would be ok to leave the room with the assistant. Should be fine. Or could you ask your nursery if you can have an extra session this week as you have an appointment..

Girasoli · 13/10/2024 08:31

Would they do any work at an emergency appointment or just give you antibiotics until they have a slot for a long appointment (for the root canal)

If they are doing the root canal then, it will be quite loud (drilling) and you might have to occasionally spit out a bit of blood so it'll probably be quite scary for a toddler in the room with you. I'd try to beg a favour from a neighbour or fellow nursery parent...I think most people would do if for something medical like that.

Girasoli · 13/10/2024 08:34

Sorry I've just reread they don't want to do the root canal when you are pregnant, if they are just going to give it a bit of a clean it should should hopefully be OK to take a toddler with you. I book double slots for me and the DC and all have check ups one after the other.

Thecha · 13/10/2024 08:36

You poor thing. Yes take your child with you, it isn't ideal but you have no choice. I often took DC with me to appointments and just explained to the doctor/dentist I had no childcare, it was never an issue. DS was 2 when I had my implant put in and he just sat with my phone for 10 minutes.

As an aside I would, and have, always been willing to help other school/nursery parents out in emergency situations like this, so please do ask. A parent once posted a similar question to yours on Facebook 'can I take toddler to appointment?' And at least 4 parents offered to help with childcare for half an hour, so I believe most people are willing, but unless asked they won't know you need help.

Original poster
mills81 · 13/10/2024 08:37

I've had one X-ray (at my last appointment) but they will not do the root canal as they said I will need quite a few X-rays, another dentist at the surgery said this too. So I need the tooth removed as this has been dragging on for months now and I can't cope with the pain anymore, so emergency appointment will be for extraction only.

OP posts:
mitogoshigg · 13/10/2024 09:17

Extraction takes about 15-20 minutes based on recent experience, and that included x rays in my case. Will your dc sit in a buggy with your phone maybe?

Sirzy · 13/10/2024 09:20

can you check with nursery if he can do an extra session? May make it easier for you and hopefully give you some recovery time after

MumChp · 13/10/2024 09:22

My last tooth extraction took 1.5 hour. It wasn't planned to more than 15 minutes but it does happen. I was so happy that I had planned with a babysitter.

zeitweilig · 13/10/2024 09:28

I wouldn't take a toddler to a dental extraction OP, tbh our dentist strongly discourages people taking children along to any appts with them. It's a distraction for the patient and the dental team. You might feel a tad bruised and emotional afterwards too, and not up for immediately being on hand.
Hope it all goes well and you're free of pain soon.

Heatherjayne1972 · 13/10/2024 10:14

Strap junior down in a pushchair
we don’t care if he cries. We do care if he wanders about and touches our sharp tools tho
we aren’t going to look out for your child and you can’t as you’re in the chair
( nice reception staff might tho)

It will be fine -we can make it work

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