My 3 year old daughter has severe tooth decay, what are the treatments, is there any risk???

when she was 2 her dentist suggested her tooth to be taken out but i was too scared to go through with it, she was going to be hospitilized and there were risks. But its getting worse. i need suggestions, is there any other treatment??? does any of your kids went through this procedure. Thanks

My 3 year old daughter has severe tooth decay, what are the treatments, is there any risk???
Take it out so that it doesn't rot her other teeth or cause her pain. Caps are often used to prevent childrens issues. I'd focus on keeping her teeth brushed for starters.
Reply:First of all, it is important that you brush your daughter's teeth every day, preferably twice daily, but at least once. Monitor her eating and drinking habits. Is she having a lot of juice, soda or milk near bedtime or sweet treats? If so, try some ordinary water or if she must have juice or water, do not let her bring it to bed. Your daughter is far too young for soda, if she is drinking any, you should not let her anymore. Since she is having cavities, you might consider getting her molars sealed. This is a painless procedure that can be done by a dentist or hygienist, and there is a new kind that is great for toddlers since the mouth can be wet while it is being done. Your dental insurance may pay for it. As far as the tooth that is already decayed, unless it is completely hopeless, do NOT let them remove it. Baby teeth serve several very important roles in a child's mouth. Firstly, if it is a front tooth, your daughter may be teased. Second, her eating could be affected by the lost tooth, no matter where in the mouth it is. And lastly, baby teeth hold the place for permanent teeth. When a baby tooth is lost prematurely, the teeth around it will slowly move to fill the gap, and the permanent tooth will not have a space to go into, causing crowding. If it is savable, the portion with the cavity should be drilled out (your daughter would have pain medication so she wouldn't be in pain) and a filler material would be put in place. If it is NOT savable and must be removed, then a space saver should be put in its place.


It is very important that something is done about this tooth. Not only could it be causing your daughter pain, but also it can affect the rest of her mouth and spread. As far as your daughter being hospitalized and there being risks, I can understand your concern. Nowadays, there is minimal risk during surgeries and some hospitals are very kid friendly. A bear in a little hospital gown would cheer up your daughter and she would be better in no time!


Good luck!
Reply:Most likely they would assign a specialist paediatric anaesthetist, and as long as your child was normal and healthy, then the risks are insignificant, especially compared to the pain and trouble she'll have if the teeth are not treated ASAP.


Certainly, you should seek assistance from either the dentist or a dietician to find out why she has such decay, and to prevent it from happening again.


Only the baby MOLARS are important for keeping spaces open for adult teeth. From a dental point of view, it is not necessary to save the front teeth at all costs. But in the end, it is up to the situation in the mouth that will determine what can be reasonably saved, and what should be removed.