Tag Archives: cavities in molars

Pediatric Dentistry

What Can I Do About My Son’s Broken Baby Teeth?

Hi,

Our family dentist is recommending an extraction for two of my son’s back teeth. She found that some of his back teeth have broken from decay and have cavities. However, he is only 7 and still has his baby teeth. Isn’t he too young for extractions? What should I do?

Thank you,

Noel, from Charleston, South Carolina

 

Hi Noel,

Yes, your family dentist is correct – your son does need these teeth extracted. If these teeth are not removed, the decay can spread down to your son’s jaw and cause more problems down the line. If your son had his adult teeth, a root canal would be an option, but it’s not available for baby teeth.

When certain baby teeth are extracted, a space maintainer can be placed in your child’s mouth. Space maintainers are placeholders, and will prevent your son’s molars from growing in sideways.

If you dentist did not recommend these to you, you should seek a second opinion from a pediatric dentist. Dentists with additional training and experience in treating children would be your best option.

For more information on how to prepare your son for his upcoming appointment, you can check Dr. Peck’s dental tips for parents page.

This blog post is brought to you by Phoenix pediatric dentist, Dr. Hillary Peck, of Peck Family Dentistry. Please note that pediatric dentistry is not a specialty recognized by the ADA, but Dr. Peck is comfortable and experienced in treating the needs of children.

 

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.