I mean, it doesn't hurt him, and in a few short years he will lose it. It just sounds like a big ordeal to get it done, and somewhat costly. I never had cavities till I was older, and I have never heard of such young kids getting teeth filled, until this, so I have no pratical experiance to draw from. Anybody out there have some info?
2007-12-02 15:01:44 · 15 answers · asked by realist31c 1 in Health ➔ Dental
Yes, it needs to be addressed. The cavity will eventually make its way into the nerve of the tooth and a pulpotomy (a baby tooth version of a root canal) will be required. If the problem is still not addressed your child may lose the tooth and shifting of the remaining teeth will occur making issues for crowding of adult teeth. In addition, the decay from a baby tooth can spread to an unerupted adult tooth. If it is one of his molars, he will not lose these until he is 12 or 13 yrs old so those teeth need to be working for him for the next 7 or 8 years.
2007-12-02 15:11:56 · answer #1 · answered by Brenda P 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hello-
Yes, it is important to have the tooth filled. There are several good reasons.
First of all an untreated cavity is like an untreated cut filled with bacteria. This can lead to an infection that could even endanger the child's life if severe enough.
Also, If the tooth prematurely rots away, the space that must be held open for the coming permanent tooth will be lost. This will cause a shifting of the teeth, if you don't fill the space with a space maintainer, making it difficult for the permanent teeth to come in where they need to. This will lead to needing expensive orthodontic treatment in the future (much more than the filling).
If the child is 5, it will still be awhile before he looses his teeth.
Another thing to keep in mind that you may not be aware of- knowingly not attempting to get a child necessary health care treatments is called neglect and is considered to be a type of child abuse.
2007-12-02 15:18:46 · answer #2 · answered by tidje 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course the dentist is going to tell you to fill it, but there may be a real need in some cases. Is it in the front or the back? If it will truly be years before it falls out on its own, it may be better to fill it rather than risk it abcessing. If it is in the front but not yet loose, perhaps it's not to early to have it pulled.
I have heard that the decay can go up into the roots and affect the new tooth coming in so that it will be decayed before it even erupts.
I'm surprised with flouride toothpaste and in many water supplies that he has this problem. You need to make sure he is brushing adequately, and probably at least need to see a dentist for a dental hygiene treatment and x-rays to assess the damage. I know it may seem expensive, but you don't want his teeth to be all rotten his whole life either. They have sealants they can put on teeth now to help prevent decay, or this may actually be a symptom of a nutrition or other health problem that needs to be addressed.
2007-12-02 15:10:25 · answer #3 · answered by arklatexrat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a word, yes.
Even in a child who is going to lose his teeth in few years, a cavity left unchecked can lead to many worse illnesses. An infection in his tooth can cause him to become septic or he could stop eating from the pain and become malnourished.
Either way, I'm sure you want to keep your child healthy. Check with your dentist about porcelain fillings, they're cheaper but don't last as long. Since he's going to lose the tooth anyway, no need to throw out a whole lot of cash.
Also, make sure he brushes his teeth and drinks more water instead of juice or soda. This will help keep another cavity from forming.
2007-12-02 15:11:44 · answer #4 · answered by piperdown10 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's not a good idea to let a cavity sit because as it grows, it can become infected, or even effect the gum tissue around the tooth. Ask the dentist how large the cavity is on the X-Ray and maybe ask the consequences of letting it remain or if the dentist feels it needs to come out, ask if they can work out a payment plan for you. Good luck!
2007-12-02 15:08:58 · answer #5 · answered by Sarah E 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
some baby teeth will stay for another 5 years if they are back teeth. by not filling the baby teeth that has cavity the tooth could get infected and ultimetly needs to get removed and if it is a back tooth will cause the adult tooth not to have enough space to come out in correct possition and cauce more problem in future
2007-12-02 20:16:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it needs to be filled. The cavity can go into the gums and cause a systemic infection.
This story was out a bit ago of a boy who actually died from not treating an abcessed tooth. http://www.specialolympics.org/Special+Olympics+Public+Website/English/Press_Room/Global_news/Dying+from+Tooth+Decay.htm
I would get it taken care of ASAP for the health of your child.
2007-12-02 15:05:35 · answer #7 · answered by Kim 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't get it filled, because dental fillings contain 50% mercury, nickel, and cadmium, in addition to silver. The mercury in these fillings is very bad for development and has been linked to autism and neurological disorders, esp. in children.
See the link on the dangers of mercury fillings.
2007-12-06 13:47:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my child is 12, and hasn't lost any molars yet. if not taking care of, the tooth will rott. and will be very painful, nobody knows when teeth fall out..get it taking care of.less candy and more brushing. have him close his eyes when he gets the shot, he won't feel a thing.
2007-12-02 15:10:26 · answer #9 · answered by angie babe 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, get it filled. It will lead to further tooth decay and will become painful.
2007-12-02 15:06:18 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋