Dentist has recommended 2 teeth extractions - should I get a second opinion? Any dentists reading?

[kaybags]

My 5 yr old went to dentist who spotted a bad tooth and wanted to do a filling. I could see a black patch on the tooth. Unfortunately, my son would not open his mouth - he just clamped it shut whenever the dentist tried to do the filling.

In the end the dentist referred us to the NHS Community Dentistry. He said that other than the filling there were no problems.

The new appointment was today and husband took J as I had to work. The new dentist says J needs to have two teeth extracted (not the one with the visible decay!) - the two canine teeth, and he wants to put some kind of covering over the three top molars on either side - the covering would fall out when these teeth fall out naturally (age 10?). Has anyone got experience of this kind of treatment?

I must say I'm rather alarmed at the thought of J having 2 extractions at age 5 - especially as the first dentist only suggested a tiny filling. He almost never has sweets, no fizzy drinks at all, no ribena. The dentist is blaming diet on the problems. We brush his teeth twice a day. Feel as though we've failed in some way....

Should we get another opinion? What would you do? Are there any dentists on Mumsnet?

Definitely get another opinion. After a 4th opinion my friend was advised by an experienced dentist that her 5 year old son didn't need over $4,000 worth of dental work (general anaesthetic, fillings and metal caps, etc). He advised an alkaline diet high in vegetables, sourdough bread, soup, salads, dairy, meat, potatoes and proteins with treats at afternoon tea/dessert only so teeth can be brushed soon after (where possible). As her son had no pain, he suggested waiting until the second teeth come through and regularly carefully monitoring them/coating them if necessary to protect from similar decay. So far they have had success at no pain or discomfort or further decay. He now eats even more homemade cooking including soup and occasional treats, with careful brushing soon after.

Please get a second opinion. I had extractions as a child - not because of decay, because of overcrowding - and have had to have cosmetic work to cover the gaps. It makes me really upset sometimes to think my parents just went along with it without questioning it.

Of course, it may turn out to be the right thing in your DS's case, but don't take the dentist's word as gospel.

DD2 is having two teeth taken out, BUT they are baby teeth with no adult teeth underneath; we're getting a further consultation before deciding what to do, AND we have the choice of doing nothing at all (even though that's very strongly not recommended in this case). Get a second opinion.

I was told that my ds1 needed two adult molars extracting due to poor diet and decay. I felt awful they had only been through for a year (he is 8). He wouldn't really ket the dentist look either. We were referred to nhs at local hospital and told he has a condition called hyper-playsia which means his teeth have formed badly it's one of those things with patchy enamel that is thick and thin in places thus causing the decay. Nice nhs dentist did two fillings and is happy to see him with any pain or new problems. Yes get a second opinion!

Thank you for your replies. We have decided to cancel the appointment and get another opinion.

Just to update - we had our new appointment with a new dentist today. J has had one tiny filling today (he was so brave, bless him) and needs to go back for another next week. I am sooooo glad we decided to get another opinion. This dentist questioned what the other was suggesting. Plus, she thinks poor brushing is contributing to the problem as J's teeth are very very close together - more flossing needed.

Is the covering your referring to like a plastic coat? If so I had one on all of my back 3 teeth as the middle bit of my teeth (where the dent is) is deep. So it was to stop decay etc. mine just wore off over time. Hth

Thanks, babypiffin, not sure about the plastic coating as DH took J to that dentist, who explained it very poorly. New dentist doesn't think it necessary at this stage.