my 5 year old has some front teeth decay (doesn't complain of pain). should i wait for the teeth to fall off or get the treatment which (would involve general anesthesia which am not comfortable with?

Question

If two capped teeth have decay underneath, do they need to be uncapped and taken care of, even if they have root canals? I have partials hooked to two capped teeth on the bottom and 1 capped tooth on the upper with partials. I am receiving treatment for

Answer 1

Treatment is best: Since tooth decay in primary teeth can affect permanent teeth even before they have erupted, having them treated would be wise. If your are uncomfortable with your current dentist's recommendation, seek a second opinion for confirmation. Anesthesia is quite safe in the hands of an experienced anesthesiologist .

Answer 2

Dental cavities: You should get it taken care of as soon as possible to prevent further decay and/or to prevent damage to the permanent teeth. Toothaches are horrible. Don't risk the possibility of your child having to experience a toothache.

Answer 3

Tooth Decay: Unless the tooth will be lost in the next month or so (which should not happen on a 5 year old), the teeth should be restored. Treatment can prevent a host of future problems. Consider taking care of the problem now.

Answer 4

See a pedodontist: a dentist who specializes in the care of children's teeth.

Answer 5

See Pedodontist: Important to have teeth restored. Child may be in pain but has become accustomed to it. I treated children this age in Dental School, as a student, and they did fine without general anesthesia. See the specialist in children's dentistry -- the Pedodontist. You will be amazed at how they do what they do. Good Luck.

Answer 6

Consult with dentis: Consult with your dentist, as to the amount of root left on the primary teeth. If the dentist feels that the secondary teeth will come in soon, the decayed teeth will act to hold the space. If that is not the case and the teeth become symptomatic, treat immediately to avoid further problems.

Answer 7

That depends on: several different factors: How deep is the decay? When do you expect these teeth to fall out naturally? How successful do they anticipate treatment to be? General anesthesia for dental treatment is very safe when done by an anesthesiologist. That being said I would get a second opinion so that you can hear any other possible treatment options and are comfortable with your ultimate decision.

Answer 8

Front teeth: Actually the front primary teeth do not function to hold space for permanent teeth to come in as the posterior teeth do. There has been numerous studies which show that there is no statistical space loss related to premature loss of anterior primary teeth.

Answer 9

Child abuse: Dental Decay is an infection. Failure to have infection, which may become exacerbated and life threatening, is child abuse reportable to Social Services. The infection represents a greater threat to your child's health than does the anesthesia.

Answer 10

Decayed baby teeth: It is very important to get these decayed baby teeth taken care of. Untreated decayed baby teeth can effect the growth and development of the permanent teeth as well as his self esteem. Your son may have more pain than you realize. He may not know what normal should feel like. Pediatric dentists commonly use nitrous oxide during this procedure which is not general anesthesia.

Answer 11

5 yr old with decay: What you shouldn't do is 2 use the fact that there is no pain as a reason not 2 pursue proper treatment or to use the fear of GA as a reason to possibly prevent a bigger issue. I know of a child who is mentally disabled from a decayed tooth that caused a brain abscess. That's RARE! Having said this, I would recommend that you find two reputable highly recommended Pedodontists to consult with.

Answer 12

Check with dentist: I am not a dentist, but I think it should be treated.. Often there is more decay elsewhere which is not as obvious that needs to be diagnosed and treated. General anesthesia in a 5 year old is very common and extremely safe

Answer 13

I recommend not.: Ultimately you need to decide if you are more comfortable with anesthesia (which is everywhere in today's world) or with infection which is in your child's tooth. Consider another opinion (another office could make a big difference). It may be years before the teeth fall out. Either way, discontinue sugars (of any sort) between meals; get a prescription and stop decay from growing.

Answer 14

Untreated Decay: I highly recommend seeking treatment. Untreated tooth decay may lead to serious oral and maxillofacial infections and pain. Seek out a pediatric dentist who can provide a few anesthetic and sedation options.

Answer 15

Consult your dds: there are several teeth which are called front teeth. Usually at around 6 years of age permanent teeth wants to push baby teeth out and at that time kids do complaint of discomfort. This is a natural process. Without knowing more detail it will be difficult to 2 md guess. Good luck.

Answer 16

See a Pedodontist: if your general dentist cannot manage your daughter. Usually, there's no need of general anaesthesia unless the child patient is incorrigible or uncooperative. Decay is caused by bacteria and the eruption of her permanent incisors are not due yet (6-7 years). Besides, she may already be aware that her teeth don't look healthy like her peers.

Answer 17

Should be evaluated: It depends...if shallow decay and adult teeth are ready to come in, he may require no treatment.. If he is late in getting his teeth and decay is deeper, he should be treated. This may not involve complete decay removal and general anesthesia, as it may be possible to excavate the surface decay and place a filling material that releases fluoride to last until the adult teeth arrive.

Answer 18

See a pedodontist...: Since the age span is 5-8yo for kids for tooth loss, these may not be lost soon. See a children's dentist. There are options that may not include a day surgery admission. You don't want your child to be in discomfort or develop an abscess. Also, the life skills and habits that prevent tooth decay are learned early, you need to address these issues ASAP as caries at this age is a. warning sign.

Answer 19

Get examined: Go to dentist for an examination. They can decide the severity of the dental caries. The front teeth will be present for several more years. However, there may be other cavities hiding in back teeth. They will advise you of proper care to keep your child safe. Possible infections are never a good thing. Best of luck.

Answer 20

Pedodontist: A dentist who specializes in treating children is often able to accomplish a lot without having to use general anesthesia. If they have already confirmed that it is required, you will be in good hands. The most important thing is to address the underlying causes of your child's decay (diet or homecare) so new decay is arrested and this is a 1 time occurrence

Answer 21

Keep the teeth...: they are important to the development of speech, chewing and swallowing, holding space for adult teeth, child's self-esteem, prevent bullying and these are just a few that come to mind. Seek the advice of a children's dentist (Pedodontist) without delay.

Answer 22

Treat them: primary teeth are as important as permanent teeth. Decayed teeth are infection in your body and must be restored properly.

Answer 23

Pediatric dentist: Get an opinion from a childrens' dentist - pedodontisst.

Answer 24

See dentist: and have them evaluate the teeth and see what they recommend.

Answer 25

DO NOT WAIT: Do not wait! I understand you have concerns with anesthesia, which definitely need to be addressed. A serious infection deep in the tooth or extension into the jaw is at risk! Please get a dentist pediatric dentist appointment today!

my 5 year old has some front teeth decay (doesn't complain of pain). should i wait for the teeth to fall off or get the treatment which (would involve general anesthesia which am not comfortable with?

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