Category Archives: Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry

Dentist wants to do sedation on my child

I’m a little concerned. My daughter has very pitted molars which is causing cavities. My dentist needs to treat the cavities, I understand that, but am concerned that isn’t safe. If it were your daughter, what would you do?

Olivia N. – Destin, FL

Olivia,

First, I want to put your mind at ease. If the dentist is qualified to do sedation, then it is perfectly safe.  If takes a little extra training, so make sure they have it.  The reason for using it is that if the child moves or is uncooperative, then the drill can do serious damage to her. The sedation is to protect her.

I have another question, I’d like to have answered before you continue with this pediatric dentist. If your daughter has pitted molars, why hasn’t he suggested dental sealants. Those little molars can be a bacteria magnet and it’s important to keep them healthy for much longer than the rest of her baby teeth.  It bothers me that this seems to have been overlooked.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.

Pediatric Dentistry

Dental Flipper for a two year old?

My two year old lost his front teeth in a play yard accident. I went to a pediatric dentist and asked about a dental flipper until his new teeth come in, but he just blew me off and said that wasn’t possible. When I asked him why, he said because he was the dentist and knows better. Am I just supposed to take his word for it? Won’t his teeth shift, leading to crowding?

Leila K. – New Jersey

Leila,

The arrogance you just described is one of my least favorite qualities in some medical professionals. Yes, he’s the dentist. Yes, he has knowledge you’re unaware of. But, YOU are the parent and have a right to know all you treatment options for your child and why some won’t work well.

Despite his rude behavior, the pediatric dentist was right. A dental flipper is not a good fit for a two year old. Here’s why.

First, a dental flipper is removable and would be a choking hazzard. Then, there is the issue of getting a toddler to cooperate keeping it in.

Additionally, at that age, their mouth is growing so quickly that there is no way to keep in an appliance that is attached by clipping in.

You won’t have to worry about these teeth being out, either functionally or socially. At this age, kids aren’t thrown by missing teeth. Plus, the only ones that will cause shifting is when the back teeth come out prematurely.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentists Drs. Kevin and Hillary Peck.

Pediatric Dentistry

Do I have to see a pediatric dentist for a thumb sucking device?

I am considering switching from a pediatric dentist to a dentist that can see our whole family.  It’s just so inconvenient going to two different clinics and time is a precious commodity in our household.  My only hesitation is that my five year old sucks her thumb.  Her pediatric detist feels she needs to have a thumb sucking device made.  Can a general dentist do that or should I stick with the pediatric one?

Amanda A. – Kansas City

Amanda,

A lot of patients find dthat having their family go to the same dentist is not only convenient, but helps with treatment in the long run. This helps the dentist to see patterns in your family’s dental health that will benefit your children.

You’ll want to make sure it is a general dentist who enjoys treating children.  You can generally tell by when they like to first see them.  If they suggest waiting until they are 8 or 9, you can extrapolate that children aren’t their favorite.  If they’re happy to see them by three years old, you’ve found someone who’ll enjoy treating your darlings.

Any dentist can help fit your five year old with a thumb sucking device, so you’re good to go there.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentists Drs. Kevin and Hillary Peck

Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentist insists my children have separate appointments

I have twin three year old boys.  They’re not naughty, but they do have a lot of energy can have trouble sititng through an entire appointment. My dentist said I have to bring them seperately so I can give my full attention to the child he’s treating.  He expects them to sit there and not ask questions or talk.  I feel not only is this unrealistic, but it is not feasible for me. I can’t spent twice the time with dental appointments and pay for a sitter every time.  Is this really what is to be expected with dental appointments? These are my first children and I’m feeling a little overwhelmed.

Orianna K. – New Mexico

Orianna,

Three year olds generally can’t sit for a complete appointment like adults can, but every dentist has different ideas as to how they want to run things. My initial thought is that this is not the best pediatric dentist for your family.

You’ll want one who is comfortable working with young, wiggly patients. It doesn’t just have to be a pediatric specialist. It could also be a general dentist who loves working with children.  They’re completely qualified to meet the dental needs of your children.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Drs. Kevin and Hillary Peck.

Pediatric Dentistry

Does a child’s molar HAVE to be removed?

My son has an infected molar.  The dentist is recommending it be extracted. Is that necessary before they even try a treatment?

Olivia M. – Massachusetts

Olivia,

Adult tooth infections can often be treated with a root canal.  children’s teeth can sometimes be treated with a similar procedure called a pulpotomoy. However, with molars this never works.  If the tooth is infected it will have to be extracted.

Make sure your pediatric dentist also places a space maintainer where the tooth was.  It will be many years until his adult molar comes in.  You don’t want his teeth tipping or shifting into that place.  It will cause crowding and other orthodonitic problems later on.

You also don’t want to leave the infection.  It will spread and cause other serious problems.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentists Drs. Kevin and Hillary Peck.

 

Pediatric Dentistry

Dentist accused of sexually assaulting teen

Our dentist has been accused of sexually assaulting a teen. I actually found out when I was going in for an appointment and there were police and a crime scene unit parked there.  I found out what happened and tore out of there. Now I’ve found out that he’s back practicing the day after being arrested.  Is that legal?  I don’t feel safe taking my daughter there.  Is there a way  to protect our children at the dentists?

Concerned mom from Little Rock, AR

Dear concerned mom,

I did a quick internet search and found the story you are talking about.  I can understand you not wanting to take a chance exposing your daughter to a potentially dangerous situation.  Though do bear in mind that everyone is presumed innocent until proved guilty.  I’m not saying that to try to guilt you into bringing your daughter. It’s your job to protect your daughter as best you can.

Before you panic, bear in mind that, by far, the majority ( I would venture to guess 99.9%) of pediatric dentists are perfectly safe.  We want to protect our children without putting them in a bubble. They have to be able to function as adults.  What I would do  is get to know your pediatric dentist.  Some will even let parents back in the operatory. Then, as you get to know him or her, go with your gut.  A mother’s intuition is a marvelous thing.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentists Drs. Kevin and Hillary Peck.

Pediatric Dentistry

Hit in the mouth

My youngest was hit in the mouth at school. One of his teeth is loose as a result. Do I need to take him in to see the dentist or will this work itself out?

DeAnne G. – Idaho

DeAnne,

That depends on a few things. First, if it is an adult tooth, then yes, you definitely need to take your child in. Call your pediatric dentist right away. The tooth needs to be stabalized and your dentist needs to make sure there is not damage to the root.

If it is a baby tooth, you’re probably fine as long as you don’t see any trauma and as long as it isn’t a molar.

If you see trauma or if it is a molar you’ll also need to get in.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentists Drs. Kevin and Hillary Peck.

Pediatric Dentistry

Dated my pediatric dentist, plus bad breath

I went out with my son’s pediatric dentist. It was nice while it lasted, especially the free dental care. But, now we’ve broken up and I’m uncomfortable going back. However, my son as the most horrid bad breath. I’m afraid there is something…dental going on. Do I have to go to a pedatric dentist? Will a general dentist do?

Jeanette Marie K. – New Jersey

Jeanette Marie,

First let’s address  the bad breath. It could be a matter of oral hygiene issues, but it could also be an infection like strep throat or also diabetes.  I think your first  order of business would be to take him to a doctor and eleminate some medical reasons for the breath.

Next, lets address your choice in dentists. To answer your question, no, your son doesn’t have to go to a pediatric dentist. For routine issue, any general dentist will do, as long as they enjoy treating children.

If there are any serious issues that arise, you can always go to a different pediatric if necessary…. or you could temporarily get back together with your fella until this issue resolves itself.

Just like there are more fish in the sea when it comes to men,  there are probably other pediatric dentists in your area.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix dentists Drs. Kevin and Hillary Peck.

Pediatric Dentistry

Dentists for autistic children

My son is autistic and really struggles with new situations. Are there dentists who specialize in autistic children?

Emily R. – Maine

Emily,

With the increase in autism, some dentists are educating themselves on how to help children in this situation.  There are pediatric dentists who are comfortable and experienced treating autistic children.

Here are some ideas to help his appointment go smoother. Arrange for him to come in and meet the dentist and staff.  With his sensory issues, that I assume are a part of his difficulties,  you’ll want to help him with sitting in the chair and getting comfortable with the equipment before they have to be used on him.

You may also consider sedation dentistry, which will relax him and make it easier for the dentist. Depending on what type of sedation you use, he may not  even remember the appointment.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.

Pediatric Dentistry

Dentist threatened to restrain my child

I took my daughter in for her first dental appointment. She’d been to see my appointments and was very excited about going for her own appointment. She was thrilled when  she saw they have baby dolls in the waiting room.  She was playing with them when they called her name to go back. She didn’t want to give up the baby doll and threw a little bit of a fit, but did eventually give up the doll.  However, when we went back to the room they told me that because of her temperment they would have to either sedate or restrain her. They didn’t even try to work with her and she had calmed down by then. We left immediately. I’m wondering if this is common practice with pediatric dentists?

Hannah I. – Portland, OR

Hannah,

It is a fairly common practice for pediatric dentists to have restraints, however, they are generally used as a last resort and for treatments other than just general check up appointments.

Your hygienist and/or dentist should have at least attempted to see how your daughter would do on her appointment. They should also have done some fun things to give her a chance to adjust.

I’m glad you left. You always want your child’s first appointment to be a pleasant one and what they had planned would have been traumatic.  My suggestion is for you to find a different pediatric dentist.  There are also family dentists who treat children than can serve as a pediatric dentist as well.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentists Drs. Kevin and Hillary Peck