Tooth extraction

[PeopleWillAlwaysNeedPlates]

I’m absolutely reeling after one of 8yo DD’s baby teeth broke today. It is a first molar and she had a routine check-up literally a week and a half ago during half term, where our regular dentist said that there was a small cavity and gave us an appointment in May to get it filled.

When it broke today we went to the emergency dentist signposted by 111. He was pretty horrified and said that it’s very badly decayed and beyond saving, and will need to be removed as soon as possible. I’ve left an urgent message with our usual dentist but it won’t be picked up until Monday.

I’m freaking out a bit. I have no experience at all of this (I’ve had one filling in my life). Please can anyone tell me anything about the procedure, or how it’s possible that our usual dentist missed the extent of the decay?

It's a baby tooth right? So would be falling out anyway in a few years? I really wouldn't panic. The new tooth will grow in its place.

I had a few permanent teeth extracted as a child due to overcrowding and I now have a slight gap at the back. Hasn't caused any issues.

I also had multiple teeth extracted around that age and a little bit older due to crowding. It was really not a big deal.

yes, i would just be grateful that it's only a baby tooth.
so don't worry too much. and try not to worry the child.
and i think extractions for children are usually done in hospital, as a day surgery case.
did the out of hours one say anything about this, could he not refer ?
and i might be changing regular dentists, if possible.
good luck.

Thank you, that’s so reassuring. I’m quite precise with my Googles but all of the top hits were patient info leaflets from hospitals about removal under GA.

Hi OP, I wanted to offer my sympathies as I have two children under seven waiting for referrals for den to l treatment at the hospital. I'm absolutely devastated as I look after their teeth and encourage them to eat healthily etc. it happens. Thankfully they are baby teeth. I have been told that the treatment will take place using gas to make them drowsy, so not as drastic as GA. The older child I'm tempted to leave a while and see if the tooth falls out, as it's only a tiny hole... but then that's what they told you, never know what's lurking underneath. I hope you got some reassurance today from your dentist?

@PeopleWillAlwaysNeedPlates

Thank you, that’s so reassuring. I’m quite precise with my Googles but all of the top hits were patient info leaflets from hospitals about removal under GA.

Depends on which tooth. One DC also had one break due to a cavity and had it out by the regular dentist. Second DC had extractions (for reasons not due to cavities) under GA as it was back teeth and they said it would be too long in the chair due to size of teeth and roots etc.

DC also had a breaking baby tooth taken out by the dentist. No GA or gas - just a series of little anaesthetic injections around the tooth. Waited a few minutes and then the dentist popped it out. It was totally manageable for an anxious boy. He was maybe a couple of years older and I guess it depends on how close to coming out anyway the tooth is. But I’d say don’t panic. It could be quite simple and it’s not unusual.