Tag Archives: Phoenix Pediatric Dentist

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

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

Pediatric Dentistry

Dentist won’t let me with my child

We went to my child’s first dental appointment and everything went fine. They were nice. My son was comfortable and had fun.  When we came back for his second check up, I was astonished to hear they wouldn’t let me go back with him. We had no problems in the first one, so I can’t understand why.  We left, because I was uncomfortable with the situation.  Why would they insist I send my child with a room full of what are essentially strangers to us.

Alana P. – Memphis, TN

Alana,

Each dentist has their own policy when it comes to allowing parents into the operatory. Some dentists allow it all the time, some never. Others allow it for the first appointment only so the child will be eased into a trust relationship with the dentist. That sounds like the policy your dentist had.

However, never forget that you are the parent. You know your child best and have to do what you feel is right for them.  My suggestion is you call around until you find a dentist who treats children that is comfortable with you coming into the operatory.

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

Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dentist Insists on Amalgam Fillings- What Should I Do?

My 6 year old was recently at the pediatric dentist and it was discovered that he has two cavities. Even though my son is cooperative, the dentist says she has to use amalgam fillings because she won’t be able to keep my son’s mouth dry enough to use the tooth-colored ones. I told her that I’m not comfortable with putting mercury in my child’s mouth, but she insists it’s safe and that since these are baby teeth, they will fall out soon anyway. I don’t know what to do. Do I need to find a new pediatric dentist, can I take my son to my regular dentist or do I need to find some sort of specialty dentist?

Thank you,

Emilia- Ft. Worth, TX

 

Dear Emilia,

There’s a growing movement in dentistry to end the use of amalgam fillings and many people share the same concerns as you. However, both the FDA and the ADA agree that amalgam fillings pose no risk to your health and they are still a viable solution in situations like your son’s.

As your pediatric dentist explained, in order for composite fillings (the tooth-colored ones) to adhere properly, the tooth needs to stay dry. Even the most well behaved child can become fidgety during a procedure. Something as simple as your son slightly moving his tongue can contaminate the filling preparation and will require that the dentist start over or, if it goes unnoticed, will weaken the bond. This means that a composite filling may not be a long-term solution, as the filling may fall out and the child will have to continually return to have it replaced. For this reason, some dentists feel that providing a composite filling is a substandard treatment and will not do them in these situations.

That being said, you are the child’s mother. You must do what you feel is best for your son. If you are still uncomfortable with amalgam fillings and your pediatric dentist will not consider doing composites, your only real option is to find a dentist who will. This is truly a matter of the dentist’s preference. I wouldn’t insist your dentist do the procedure, because she probably can’t and will not say that to you. That will put your son’s treatment at risk. You may find success in another pediatric dental practice, in a general office or in a holistic office. Go wherever you feel most comfortable.  Best of luck to you and your son.

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

Pediatric Dentistry

Teeth Grinding in Children

Q. Lately I’ve noticed my 3 year old grinds his teeth. He grinds mostly when he’s asleep, but sometimes while he’s awake too. He doesn’t seem to be bothered, but the sound of his teeth crunching goes right through me! Is this a habit I should try to break or get help for? What kind of damage can it cause?

A. I know it’s troublesome for parents to hear, but some teeth grinding in toddlers is normal. This is a habit that usually starts at about 3 ½ and goes through age 6. Experts aren’t exactly sure why toddlers grind their teeth. Many things from anxiety to pain from earaches and teething, and even malocclusion of teeth are said to be a possible contributing factor. However disconcerting, your child will likely outgrow it.  Sometimes incorporating an extra soothing bedtime routine or administering a dose of Tylenol if you know they are teething can help eliminate some issues that may be contributing. Make sure you have your child checked though if he or she are complaining of face or jaw pain. Whatever the cause, it’s likely not doing any damage to their teeth. A vast majority of kids just stop on their own, so as quickly as you noticed it, it can be gone!