Dentist question

jniff101 · 02-03-2015, 10:02 PM

So I recently took my son to the children's dentistry of the lakes region. First off I absolutely love them! They are amazing with my kids and the place is set up just for kids. It's awesome! Here is my dilema... For the first time after his cleaning today I was told that he has 2 cavities, these will be the first and only cavities he has and he is 8 years old. They say that they are on the adult molars and they are there with no fault on his part. Apparently the enamel never grew over the tooth right and made a tiny pit that got food in it and caused an infection. Now they want to give him laughing gas, Novacaine and then drill into the teeth. I am feeling like this isn't necessary. I am having a hard time believing this is something that needs to be done. Am I wrong? Should I get a second opinion? If so I have no idea where to go because I felt like this was the best place.

jetlag100 · 02-04-2015, 12:48 AM

What exactly are you doubting? Are you doubting that he has a cavity or are you doubting that he needs pain killers?? If your doubting he needs fillings, you can just wait and the pain of the cavity will tell.....

winnipiseogee · 02-04-2015, 05:56 AM

We bring our kids (2 and 4) to Dr Kennel as well and they are great. Our daughter has 2 fillings in her baby teeth for a very similar reason. My experience with them is that if they are suggesting your sons needs fillings then he really needs them. The decay is only going to expand and he will lose more tooth material.

It made me feel horrible and I hated that my little girl needed fillings but they did a wonderful job.

ITD · 02-04-2015, 07:07 AM

He needs is cavities filled and both forms of pain killer. The longer you wait the bigger the cavities will get. Then make sure he gets to the dentist every 6 months to get his teeth cleaned and checked. Cleaning includes scaling below the gumline where normal brushing and flossing doesn't get clean. If you neglect this your gums recede over the years making your teeth weaker.

tis · 02-04-2015, 08:06 AM

Not to say he doesn't have cavities, but I would be careful. I know that at least some dentists have meetings to see how much they can sell in a day. I know we all hate to think it but it is true. My daughter had 2 cavities in her whole life when she was about that age and we also wondered at the time. She never had more. Did you ask why the laughing gas? That seems like overkill.

jniff101 · 02-04-2015, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tis

Not to say he doesn't have cavities, but I would be careful. I know that at least some dentists have meetings to see how much they can sell in a day. I know we all hate to think it but it is true. My daughter had 2 cavities in her whole life when she was about that age and we also wondered at the time. She never had more. Did you ask why the laughing gas? That seems like overkill.

This is my exact concern. Maybe I watch too much news. I have watched news stories about this but because they are so great I think I will trust their judgement.....still makes me nervous.
The laughing gas is to put them at ease I guess. He goes every six months, I am right on top of it. I just want to do what is best for my kids and these days it is hard to trust anyone, especially when it comes to my kids.

BroadHopper · 02-04-2015, 10:20 AM

Every dentist has a different opinion. My dentist, who is in Chelmsford and teaches at the Tufts dental school, normally do not fill baby teeth. As for adult teeth it depends on how close he may be drilling to the nerves. If he is drilling and not touch the nerve endings he goes without Novocain and if you are brave without the gas. Normally the gas steady your nerves.
If he will be drilling near or to the nerves, he strongly suggest Novocain, and the gas is optional.
I had two rear molars pulled as they were pushing the teeth in. He would rotate the chair so that the blood flows to my head, thus 'dulling' the nerves. With no Novocain and gas, he pulled the two teeth out. I felt a sharp pain, then heat. That was it!

If your brave go without the gas and depends on the drilling without Novocain.

I recently switched to a local dentist and she insist, no matter what, you have gas and Novocain. I notice on the bill to Delta Dental, the charges are outrageous! Glad I had insurance.

I need two crowns, which I will have a specialist in Concord do. I don't have faith in the local dentists.

barefootbay · 02-04-2015, 11:50 AM

I would get second opinion. Why would the child need laughing gas (Nitrous Oxide ) as well as novacaine for a couples tiny cavities, if he even has cavities?

Newbiesaukee · 02-04-2015, 12:03 PM

If you do not believe there are cavities, then you believe that the dentist is outright lying and you need a second opinion and a dentist you trust.

If you believe he has the cavities, in my non-professional opinion, he needs them treated.

With most 8 year olds some local anesthesia/analgesia is a must ( and probably would be for most adults).

Nitrous oxide is relatively safe in experienced hands.

In my pre-retired professional life I dealt with many children and minor surgical procedures. Some of the 8 year olds would tolerate a xylocaine injection without some anti-anxiety agent, some would not.

You know your son the best.

In summary, it sounds as if he does need the teeth done, probably needs the local anesthesia,and the nitrous oxide should be discussible with the dentist.

An added thought. People talk about 2nd opinions but, strictly speaking, a second opinion should be with a dentist ( or physician) who knows that all that is wanted is an opinion and regardless of the opinion he/she will not be the treating professional. Otherwise, why trust the second opinion to be better? Do you need 2 out of 3?

It is not unethical for a second physician to become the treating physician...some physicians prefer not to do so for their own ethical reasons. Regardless, the patient should understand these issues.

A little off-topic, just food for thought.

Aunt Lula · 02-04-2015, 07:32 PM

Just to clarify, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is not a pain killer. It will relax the patient and in in the case of a child, make him a little more docile and cooperative. It does not put a patient out completely. If your child is a bit anxious, the dentist may recommend the nitrous oxide to calm him. If there is any chance the cavities may be a bit deep- then novocaine is used to avoid unnecessary pain. A second opinion is reasonable if you have any doubts. Please do the dentist a favor and remain outside the treatment room. If you are anxious at all, your little one will be too!

wynndog · 02-07-2015, 12:40 AM

I have a need for an oral Dr. to pull a tooth(not just a dentist) in the Lakes region. I have found where I lived before that the pro does a better job.
Wynn

Misha888 · 02-08-2015, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wynndog

I have a need for an oral Dr. to pull a tooth(not just a dentist) in the Lakes region. I have found where I lived before that the pro does a better job.
Wynn

I highly recommend the road trip to Concord. NH Endodontics, MOLL, D.M.D

In the 14 years I have lived up here, I have not found a good dentist yet. The hubs was hacked by Boles in the Weirs who was also extremely pricing and always highly agitated. I didn't have much better luck with him. I was once going to try Joseph Downing in Gilford since he was a recommendation from Dr. Moll I just haven't gotten there yet. Note: I have an unreasonable fear of the dentist since I had a military dentist growing up who was brutal. Good luck.

BroadHopper · 02-08-2015, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misha888

I highly recommend the road trip to Concord. NH Endodontics, MOLL, D.M.D

In the 14 years I have lived up here, I have not found a good dentist yet. The hubs was hacked by Boles in the Weirs who was also extremely pricing and always highly agitated. I didn't have much better luck with him. I was once going to try Joseph Downing in Gilford since he was a recommendation from Dr. Moll I just haven't gotten there yet. Note: I have an unreasonable fear of the dentist since I had a military dentist growing up who was brutal. Good luck.

I couldn't agree more. Local dentist screwed up a crown. I was referred to NH Endodontics for a new one. Sad part was Delta Dental will not pay for the new crown. Only the first crown. =(

Winni1952 · 02-08-2015, 01:16 PM

It is not unusual for permanent molars to have enamel defects or just very deep grooves in the chewing surface of the teeth that makes them more prone to decay... dental sealants are used in these situations to fill in these defects and allow the patient to clean the surface more effectively and prevent decay.

The dentist you have entrusted your childs dental health to is recommending treatment that he or she believes is in your childs best interest. As in any profession there are always those that take advantage but having practiced dentistry for over 36 years I have encountered few.

If you don't have trust in this professional for whatever reason you need to find one you do have trust in before proceeding with treatment but don't delay since decay will only progress and treatment for your child becomes more involved.

ApS · 02-09-2015, 04:43 AM

Since your dentist has seen your child, he may have already determined that your child would benefit from nitrous oxide.

My Wolfeboro dentist makes it a point to use a probe and gently tug upwards when he's found a cavity. When I've asked, "Can filling this particular cavity wait until Spring", he's replied alternately, "yes" or "no"—appropriately.

'Can't recall seeing any children in the waiting room.

02-03-2015, 10:02 PM	#1
jniff101 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Moultonboro Posts: 113 Thanks: 23 Thanked 18 Times in 12 Posts	Dentist question So I recently took my son to the children's dentistry of the lakes region. First off I absolutely love them! They are amazing with my kids and the place is set up just for kids. It's awesome! Here is my dilema... For the first time after his cleaning today I was told that he has 2 cavities, these will be the first and only cavities he has and he is 8 years old. They say that they are on the adult molars and they are there with no fault on his part. Apparently the enamel never grew over the tooth right and made a tiny pit that got food in it and caused an infection. Now they want to give him laughing gas, Novacaine and then drill into the teeth. I am feeling like this isn't necessary. I am having a hard time believing this is something that needs to be done. Am I wrong? Should I get a second opinion? If so I have no idea where to go because I felt like this was the best place.

02-04-2015, 10:20 AM	#7
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,509 Thanks: 3,116 Thanked 1,089 Times in 783 Posts	Cavities. Every dentist has a different opinion. My dentist, who is in Chelmsford and teaches at the Tufts dental school, normally do not fill baby teeth. As for adult teeth it depends on how close he may be drilling to the nerves. If he is drilling and not touch the nerve endings he goes without Novocain and if you are brave without the gas. Normally the gas steady your nerves. If he will be drilling near or to the nerves, he strongly suggest Novocain, and the gas is optional. I had two rear molars pulled as they were pushing the teeth in. He would rotate the chair so that the blood flows to my head, thus 'dulling' the nerves. With no Novocain and gas, he pulled the two teeth out. I felt a sharp pain, then heat. That was it! If your brave go without the gas and depends on the drilling without Novocain. I recently switched to a local dentist and she insist, no matter what, you have gas and Novocain. I notice on the bill to Delta Dental, the charges are outrageous! Glad I had insurance. I need two crowns, which I will have a specialist in Concord do. I don't have faith in the local dentists. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

02-04-2015, 12:03 PM	#9
Newbiesaukee Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Coral Gables, winter; Long Island, summer Posts: 1,349 Thanks: 922 Thanked 569 Times in 295 Posts	If you do not believe there are cavities, then you believe that the dentist is outright lying and you need a second opinion and a dentist you trust. If you believe he has the cavities, in my non-professional opinion, he needs them treated. With most 8 year olds some local anesthesia/analgesia is a must ( and probably would be for most adults). Nitrous oxide is relatively safe in experienced hands. In my pre-retired professional life I dealt with many children and minor surgical procedures. Some of the 8 year olds would tolerate a xylocaine injection without some anti-anxiety agent, some would not. You know your son the best. In summary, it sounds as if he does need the teeth done, probably needs the local anesthesia,and the nitrous oxide should be discussible with the dentist. An added thought. People talk about 2nd opinions but, strictly speaking, a second opinion should be with a dentist ( or physician) who knows that all that is wanted is an opinion and regardless of the opinion he/she will not be the treating professional. Otherwise, why trust the second opinion to be better? Do you need 2 out of 3? It is not unethical for a second physician to become the treating physician...some physicians prefer not to do so for their own ethical reasons. Regardless, the patient should understand these issues. A little off-topic, just food for thought. __________________ "You're only young once, but you can be immature forever."

02-04-2015, 07:32 PM	#10
Aunt Lula Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 23 Thanks: 5 Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts	Just to clarify, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is not a pain killer. It will relax the patient and in in the case of a child, make him a little more docile and cooperative. It does not put a patient out completely. If your child is a bit anxious, the dentist may recommend the nitrous oxide to calm him. If there is any chance the cavities may be a bit deep- then novocaine is used to avoid unnecessary pain. A second opinion is reasonable if you have any doubts. Please do the dentist a favor and remain outside the treatment room. If you are anxious at all, your little one will be too! __________________

02-07-2015, 12:40 AM	#11
wynndog Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Alton Posts: 98 Thanks: 170 Thanked 10 Times in 7 Posts	pulling a tooth I have a need for an oral Dr. to pull a tooth(not just a dentist) in the Lakes region. I have found where I lived before that the pro does a better job. Wynn

02-04-2015, 12:48 AM	#2
jetlag100 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Revere, Massachusetts and Moultonborough, N.H. Posts: 311 Thanks: 228 Thanked 79 Times in 50 Posts	What exactly are you doubting? Are you doubting that he has a cavity or are you doubting that he needs pain killers?? If your doubting he needs fillings, you can just wait and the pain of the cavity will tell.....

The Following User Says Thank You to jetlag100 For This Useful Post:
wifi (02-04-2015)

02-04-2015, 05:56 AM	#3
winnipiseogee Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 297 Thanks: 67 Thanked 152 Times in 79 Posts	We bring our kids (2 and 4) to Dr Kennel as well and they are great. Our daughter has 2 fillings in her baby teeth for a very similar reason. My experience with them is that if they are suggesting your sons needs fillings then he really needs them. The decay is only going to expand and he will lose more tooth material. It made me feel horrible and I hated that my little girl needed fillings but they did a wonderful job.

The Following User Says Thank You to winnipiseogee For This Useful Post:
jniff101 (02-04-2015)

02-04-2015, 07:07 AM	#4
ITD Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonboro, NH Posts: 2,860 Thanks: 461 Thanked 666 Times in 366 Posts	He needs is cavities filled and both forms of pain killer. The longer you wait the bigger the cavities will get. Then make sure he gets to the dentist every 6 months to get his teeth cleaned and checked. Cleaning includes scaling below the gumline where normal brushing and flossing doesn't get clean. If you neglect this your gums recede over the years making your teeth weaker.

02-04-2015, 08:06 AM	#5
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,405 Thanks: 719 Thanked 1,379 Times in 955 Posts	Not to say he doesn't have cavities, but I would be careful. I know that at least some dentists have meetings to see how much they can sell in a day. I know we all hate to think it but it is true. My daughter had 2 cavities in her whole life when she was about that age and we also wondered at the time. She never had more. Did you ask why the laughing gas? That seems like overkill.

02-04-2015, 11:50 AM	#8
barefootbay Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 365 Thanks: 65 Thanked 88 Times in 63 Posts	I would get second opinion. Why would the child need laughing gas (Nitrous Oxide ) as well as novacaine for a couples tiny cavities, if he even has cavities?

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Misha888 (02-08-2015)

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BroadHopper (02-08-2015)

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Misha888 (02-10-2015)

02-08-2015, 01:16 PM	#14
Winni1952 Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 48 Thanks: 2 Thanked 10 Times in 4 Posts	It is not unusual for permanent molars to have enamel defects or just very deep grooves in the chewing surface of the teeth that makes them more prone to decay... dental sealants are used in these situations to fill in these defects and allow the patient to clean the surface more effectively and prevent decay. The dentist you have entrusted your childs dental health to is recommending treatment that he or she believes is in your childs best interest. As in any profession there are always those that take advantage but having practiced dentistry for over 36 years I have encountered few. If you don't have trust in this professional for whatever reason you need to find one you do have trust in before proceeding with treatment but don't delay since decay will only progress and treatment for your child becomes more involved.

02-09-2015, 04:43 AM	#15
ApS Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Florida (Sebring & Keys), Wolfeboro Posts: 5,788 Thanks: 2,084 Thanked 742 Times in 532 Posts	Small cavities that need filling don't hurt... Since your dentist has seen your child, he may have already determined that your child would benefit from nitrous oxide. My Wolfeboro dentist makes it a point to use a probe and gently tug upwards when he's found a cavity. When I've asked, "Can filling this particular cavity wait until Spring", he's replied alternately, "yes" or "no"—appropriately. 'Can't recall seeing any children in the waiting room.