Dentist says she will use laughing gas then give him a shot? My son doesn't like the mask over his face and I dont want this experience to make him fearful of the dentist. What should I do? I read about how lasers can remove cavities as well-know of any pediatric dentist in CA that uses it?
2007-11-13 17:51:19 · 6 answers · asked by rosemary25 1 in Health ➔ Dental
WHO'S ESTABLISHING HOW DENTISTRY SHOULD BE DONE, YOUR SON OR THE DENTIST?
MANY PEDIATRIC DENTISTS USE GAS ALL THE TIME OR AIR ABRASION (NO DRILLS OR SHOTS). CALL AND ASK AROUND FOR AIR ABRASION DENTISTS.
ps, some believe baby teeth shouldn't be fixed because these will only fall out. THEY COULD NOT BE MORE WRONG! CHILDHOOD CAVITIES CAN LEAD TO MANY PROBLEMS NOT ONLY WITH THE BABY TEETH, BUT ALSO WITH SOME PERMANENT TEETH UNDER CERTAIN CASES. PEOPLE WHO ARE IL-INFORMED SHOULDN'T GIVE DENTAL ADVICE.
2007-11-13 18:18:50 · answer #1 · answered by Dr. Albert, DDS, (USA) 7 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Well, the cavity needs to be treated. Whether the gas will be useful or not is up to how the dentist and you handle it. I have some young patients who are scared initially, until they get the effects, then they want it all the time!
Some gas units use scented masks (strawberry, orange, ...) which are nice for kids. If you can, take home a mask or two and practice to make a game out of it, spacemen or deep sea divers?
Wherever possible, I prefer to give kids a test of the gas alone without treatment to get them used to it. Then the real treatment day is easier.
A good dentist who is used to kids can give a shot without much trouble. But YOU mustn't pre-warn the child about the shot - let the dentist handle it. I hate hearing the phrase, "He won't hurt you" from parents. It immediately puts kids on their guard. They might be toddlers but they're not stupid.
Sometimes with kids it is not necessary to remove all the decay at the first attempt, but do minimal removal of decay, seal it up, and come back to it again in 6 mos.
Laser dentistry is not suitable for real cavities. It is really only of use for soft tissue surgery. Air abrasion is only useful for minimal cavities, and the dust and suction may be more trouble than good.
If you don't feel confident with your local dentist, then ask for a referral to a paedodontist.
2007-11-14 02:37:00 · answer #2 · answered by Dr Matt W (Australia) 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I have had dental work since my teeth came in due to a genetic disorder (Ectodermal Dysplasia) where my teeth have NO enamel. And let me tell you... it's very painful! To ignore the dentists advice and not get the cavity filled might cause pain for your child.
Gas masks and novicane are safe AND effective. And I had all of my pediatric dental work done in the 80s and 90s. It's probably BETTER now. So don't worry. Your kid will be fine.
2007-11-14 02:37:35 · answer #3 · answered by Lori L 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Im with the guy above me, why bother getting a baby tooth's cavity filled? Also I think the laughing gas (nitrous) would not be a good idea, novacane is one thing; laughing gas is another.
2007-11-14 01:57:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
i'd wait for it to fall out, too. but take the bottle, the soda and the candy away. and BRUSH HIS TEETH.
2007-11-14 02:02:20 · answer #5 · answered by vanessa c 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
not with baby teeth, but hundreds will say so.
2007-11-14 01:54:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋