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Original poster

Does my son really need 2 baby teeth taken out???

18 replies

paolosgirl · 23/02/2006 13:21

I'm really strict with fizzy drinks, sweets etc - always have been - but DS has had small white fillings in 2 of his 'upstairs' teeth (both on the same tooth, on the same point, on opposite sides of his mouth). He's now developed a small blister on his gum which the dentist says is an abcess, and she now wants to take out both of these teeth under local anaesthetic, as she's worried that there might be damage to his adult teeth.

I just feel we've gone from 2 tiny fillings to 2 extractions, and I'm a bit worried that she's being a bit trigger happy iywkwim. I was thinking of getting a second opinion, but don't know how to go about it. Any ideas - or would you just accept her word?

OP posts:
Angeliz · 23/02/2006 13:22

No i think you're right in looking for a second opinion.
I'm not a dentist but hope you get one soon.
(does sound a little trigger happy to me too though!)

melissasmummy · 23/02/2006 13:30

PG, is the surgery a multiple dentist surgery? If so, you have every right to ask one of the other dentists (pref senior) to have a look & give an unbiased opinion. If it is a single dentist surgery then tell them you need a second opinion & hopefully they should be able to give you a number. How old is he? Is he an NHS patient?

I would be somewhat prepared to accept her opinion on the tooth that appears to have an abscess on it, but even so, sometimes with antibiotics, it clears up. I would rather try that means first.

I wouldn't accept that you he needed to have 2 extractions. (IMO, it is worthless her keep filling them, once extracted, they are gone & will no more work, so for her cost effective).

If they have only had one filling each, then I feel that there are more avenues to persue rather than a direct extract policy.

Original poster
paolosgirl · 23/02/2006 13:33

It is a multiple dentist surgery, but it's her practice. I don't want to seem as if I don't trust her, and I don't want to put anyone in a diffcult situation professionally. What I'd like to do is take him to another dentist at a different practice and ask for their one-off opinion, but I don't know if you can do that?

OP posts:
Original poster
paolosgirl · 23/02/2006 13:33

Her practice as in she owns it, and is the senior dentist there.

OP posts:
melissasmummy · 23/02/2006 14:11

She should understand & be compliant if you request this tho. But I do understand. Phone up another dental practice & explain the situation, you dont have to say where you are attending BTW.

They should be able to offer you an appointment, most will be more than happy to help, if not they will be able to advise you.

How old is you DS?

Original poster
paolosgirl · 23/02/2006 15:52

He's 8. I have a real phobia of dentists, and have sedation for even the most minor of fillings. She tactfully suggested that I don't go with him to have the extractions (Dh will instead), but equally I don't want to put him through something that isn't absoultely necessary.

OP posts:
melissasmummy · 23/02/2006 16:00

Which tooth is it? It may well be that he will be losing these teeth soon anyway, so she is just speeding up that process. If that is the case, then fine.

But if he has a few years left with them I would prefer to give antibiotics/new fills a try.

Original poster
paolosgirl · 23/02/2006 16:03

It's his 2 upper pre-molars. She explained that it was just speeding up the process, and that she wanted to avoid the second teeth becoming damaged.

OP posts:
melissasmummy · 23/02/2006 16:13

Well, the new teeth are due to come in at 9-10 (text book, but approximation). So maybe she has a point. Did she discuss any alternatives at all?

I would still be reluctant, as keeping them put will help maintain the space for when the permanent teeth are coming thru.

But as it may work out, the permanent teeth may come down slighty quicker if these are not present.

Enif · 23/02/2006 16:14

you can get oxygen treatment on baby teeth to slow/stop decay. google it. A friend had it done to her 3 year old, worked a treat.

Original poster
paolosgirl · 23/02/2006 16:16

No, I asked her about alternatives, but she said that they were too decayed (although they didn't look bad to me as a layperson). I think I'll ask around and see if any of my friends have a good dentist, and then see if I can get a second opinion there. I'm still so shocked that things have got this bad when we are so strict with food and drink.

OP posts:
melissasmummy · 23/02/2006 18:10

PG, yes, ask around, get a second opinion.

Do be aware of hidden sugars, glocose, fructose, dextrose, maltose are all forms of sugar.

Fruit has natural sugar in, flavoured crisps, baked beans, alot of cereals, tom sauce etc etc.

Go for sugar FREE, not NO ADDED sugar, IMO that means they can't get anymore in.

The teeth you mention are very pitted, so food will get stuck in them, make sure he has a good brush after meals, after breakfast, not before. last thing at night, with only water to follow. Try & avoid stciky stuff, opt for chocolate over sweets & pref a bar, not smarties, as these tend to last ages. I was going to buy DD Winnie the Pooh choc buscuits, only to find they had £ different types of sugar in them!

Sorry, I do know this is obvious, just trying to help.

20 minutes after each mouthfull of food the teeth are subject to a bacterial attack, so if he has a tube/bag of sweets his teeth will be under attack for alot longer.

melissasmummy · 23/02/2006 18:11

*3 different types, not £!

jabberwocky · 23/02/2006 18:33

paolosgirl, my ex-h is a children's dentist and I agree with your dentist. An abcessed baby tooth can definitely damage the developing permanent tooth. Also, you don't want to mess around with an infection in the head of any kind - not to mention the pain and discomfort he may feel. A lot of children's dentists use gas (ex-h called it the mickey mouse nose or something like that) and also "kiddy cocktails", some kind of pre-medication that relaxes them. If they are using this, though, you do want your ds hooked up to a pulse oximeter (sp?) while they are working on him.

Original poster
paolosgirl · 23/02/2006 18:55

I know Melissa - there are hidden sugars all over the place, but I'm very rigorous when checking the sugar content of things. It's quite shocking when you see how sugars are disguised.

He's not having any pre-med, but she's going to put the mouth equivalent of EMLA cream on before she injects him. The thought of it is making me feel quite sick . From what you're saying Jabber, it sounds as if she is doing the right thing.
Funny thing is he's in no pain or discomfort at all, and has had this blister for a couple of months now - and she said there wasn't any rush to take it out, so his appointment isn't until April. I'm a bit puzzled, which is why I'm wondering about the 2nd opinion.

OP posts:
jabberwocky · 23/02/2006 19:18

Hmmm, that is interesting that she is comfortable about waiting until April. A second opinion is never a bad thing. I would say, there are many times where I regretted not getting one, but never regretted doing it IYKWIM

geogteach · 23/02/2006 19:18

My DS had to have an extraction due to having no enamel on his teeth. My dentist refered him to the hospital so that he didn't associate dentist with extractions. Could your dentist refer you to the hospital dentist?

puddingz · 27/02/2006 22:01

PG - Where are you? In South London, Kings College Hospital run a NHS dental practice (but you have to wait for ages to be seen). It allows the dental students the opportunity to practice their skills supervised. What about taking DS to there, or a different teaching hospital for the second opinion? Good Luck

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