Childs tooth decay?

My son found out today at the dentist he has 2 rotten teeth. One they want to pull because they said he will be losing it soon anyway (they are both baby teeth) and the other they want to do a filling because they say its a back tooth that he wont be losing for a few years. They want to use nitrous oxide also.


I have good teeth and so does my older child so Im unfamilar with this. He's already nine why wouldnt they pull both? My daughter finished her braces at age 12. So why would they say that one tooth will be a few more years? And Ive never had nitrous just wondering what thats like also.


This office is very nice and swanky. I know they didnt get like that by not charging for it! My portion for this work will be $95. So I want to be sure Im doing the right thing!


Any advice would be great thanks!

Childs tooth decay?
WOW!! I can't believe the ignorance here. Not you! The answers! Where are all the dentists to help here?!


Okay, here's an explanation for your son's treatment:





The reason they are recommending that his molar tooth is filled and not extracted is because if they remove his molar, his other baby teeth will move over time and bridge the gap, leaving no room for his permanent molar to come through in its place, meaning crowded teeth and costly orthodontics down the track. ( Very odd that your daughter finished her braces at 12, they aren't usually placed until then!! Braces are more often than not placed when ALL of the permanent teeth are present except for special circumstances) If he was to have his baby molar removed now he would need something called a "Space maintainer" fitted which is an orthodontic appliance to maintain a space until he gets older (the adult molars come through at 12, 14 and 18-25). Also a costly option.


Nitrous oxide is a good thing for kids who haven't had any or very little treatment, especially if they are having teeth removed. it makes the appointment alot easier to cope with, meaning that future appointments will be less of an anxiety issue as he gets older. You may like him to go without, but it's ultimately a matter of his initial anxiety level and whether you believe he is okay without it. Depends on the individual! Hope this helps!
Reply:There is every possibility of tooth decay for children so far their "Temporary Teeth" are concerned. It's not a permanent problem. But take care when permanent teeth come out.
Reply:so the kid doesn't have a gap for however many years till the other one grows in. nitrous is nice, you usually get that at private 'swanky' places. they dilute it a fair amount with oxygen but when done straight it's called hippie crack. Back in the day dentists huffed it all the time but with modern knowledge of drugs it's improper for doctors to be hitting off the tank.
Reply:I have 23yrs in the dental field and it sounds like they are pretty honest with you. My sister took my nephew to a pedodontist (childs dentis) and they gave her a list of work he needed done. Needless to say, he didn't need half the work and on one tooth that was ready to come out they wanted to put a stainless steel crown on it just for the $$. Kids do not lose their back teeth until they are teenagers so doing a filling is the right thing to do. As for the Nitrous Oxide, it is very safe, I even use it when I get dental work done. It just relaxes you and when the work is done you go home feeling normal, there are no side effects. It sounds like your dentist is very legit.
Reply:A lot of times, cavities and bad teeth in general are genetic. The dentist will deny this up and down, but research says it's true. He'll just have to have checkups every 6 mos. Mom, you will have to be dilligent until he's grown! But of course, make sure he brushes, etc. which I'm sure you do (as much as you can with a 9 yo boy!). Use a flouride swish every nite. The dentist can give him special flouride (prescription) toothpaste. Make sure he gets sealants on his teeth if he hasn't already had them. It takes a lot of work! Cavities run in my family and I swear I'm at the dentist every 3 mos. if not for checkup and cleaning then for a cavity (my kids) and me growing up. But my ex-husband hardly ever went to the dentist and still has never had a cavity! Also, if he's on any type of ADHD medication, this can cause dry mouth which greatly increases chances of cavities!
Reply:I don't trust dentists. If the tooth is coming out anyway, what's the use except money in the bank for them. UNLESS it's in front and an eyesore, but you didn't notice so it musn't be bad.


The other thing, if they try to push fluoride pills on you, don't do it. My younger brother started developing fluorosis from that.


Fluoride is an over-hyped thing, and the stuff they put in your water is actually hydrofluosilicic acid, a biohazardous industrial byproduct containing many toxins including arsenic among others. It just so happens to have a high concentrate of sodium fluoride, at the cost of poison in there too.
Reply:Vitamin c....a deficiency in vitamin c can cause gum deseases and kids need vitamin c....