Fillings in Baby Teeth ... Worth It?

It is completely necessary. You don't want the cavities getting worse. Do whatever you have to, in order to get them fixed.

You mentioned that she "(won't drink the "juice") and won't cooperate with laughing gas, shots, etc." That's a problem that I think you'll need to address. She's going to need to get shots in her lifetime. She's going to need to take medicine in her lifetime. I would explore ways to help her to cope, as this will be a lifelong skill she will value.

The primary teeth protect the permanent teeth until they are ready to come through. Not all molars fall out some are supposed to be with us for life. You should always take care of cavities. Not taking care of your teeth can result in a host of health problems down the road.

Think about it - do you really think it's OK for her to have holes in her teeth for another 6+ years? Probably not, right? It's not some scam your dentist is pulling. Of course they need to be filled.

I had many baby teeth filled, as have my children. It's just a routine part of dental care for us (they inherited my lousy teeth). I wouldn't fill something like a front tooth that will fall out in a few months but molars? Definitely.

my daughter has cavities and they told us if we dont it can affect her adult teeth underneath. they arent putting her fully under but giving her a "juice" which she will drink and then play for an hour in their waiting room and then get tired and possibly fall asleep or not care they are working on her teeth

Molars do not fall out until about 9/10/11 so you have a long way to go. They can't do laughing gas?

I would get a second opinion on the anasthesia. Due to my son's soft teeth and lack of flourinated water, he had significant dental work when he was between 2-5 years of age. Not just fillings, but extractions, spacers, pulpectomies, and crowns. None of it was done under general anasthesia. He was given a 'magic nose' to calm him down and local anasthetic. We did it over a couple of visits. It is very important to maintain baby teeth, as they not only hold the space for adult teeth, but can infect the adult teeth if the cavities progress!

Why would you not take care of your child's teeth?

This is her future health you are dealing with. Those molars are there for a reason and they will hopefully be there for quite some time. It is like a pay me now or pay me later situation.... The issue does not go away if you ignore it... It will get worse and then you'll be dealing with permanent teeth that are not normal.

Never compromise on safety and health, especially with children.

if you wait long enough-they will rot all the way through the second set

Penelope - YES!!! Molars can stay in until the age of 12!

I would not hesitate to get the fillings. Since she's 6, they may put her out so she's not traumatized by the procedure. Talk with your dentist to see what they will do.

You need to figure out why she has cavities at such a young age. Is there a deficiency in her diet? Does she have weak enamel? Find out why and see if you can fix it. If it's something as simple as she's a poor brusher - then do it for her - work with her and TEACH her how to brush her teeth. Use the Blue Agent "wash" that shows where she has missed.

Good luck!

The cavities could spread to her adult teeth so you definitely want to have them taken care of.

Some dentists seem anesthesia happy. Your daughter is 6 not 2. Find a dentist that will work with your daughter.

My sons have both had fillings in baby teeth. It is very necessary. She needs these teeth for a few more years, and cavities will affect her adult teeth. Why do you need full anesthesia? My kids have never needed anything but freezing, in fact my older son had one done with no freezing at all.

Yes, and it is worth it...those molars will be there for a mighty long time....until she's 11 or 12...leave the cavities, they could go into her perm. teeth or absess or an infection ... not pretty... ...I'd opt (and have opted with my son) for more than one session. Good luck

Yes it's worth it. Molars stay in for quite a few more years. If you don't get the filled they might cause her lot of pain.

Yes, it is.

You can't have rotten teeth sit in her mouth. And just pulling the teeth will cause a lot of problems because you lose the "space holder" for the permanent teeth. You will most certainly end up having to pay for braces later.

You need to just pay for the anesthesia anyway.

I will tell you that at age 6, you need to be working HARD with your daughter to act better in a doctor or dentist's office. Part of this is her personality. You need to give her consequences for freaking out. Of course, you need to prepare her and work with her beforehand as well. You can use a carrot and a stick approach. Figure out the carrot, but be very particular with the stick and make sure she KNOWS the gravity of the stick.

Is she taking fluoride supplements? Talk to the dentist about that. It could be that there is no fluoride in your water at home.

Good luck.

We did it in one session for my 4 yr old's teeth. We feel it was worth it and less traumatic for her than repeated sessions at the dental office.

They will not do the sedation unless the pediatrician signs off within 7 days of the procedure and then when you get there they give the kid a once over again. They try to make it as safe as possible. I would talk to them and make sure that the anesthesiologist is a pediatric one. We had ours done in the pediatric unit at the local hospital.

We did a payment plan for all fees not covered by insurance.

Yes, my son has had two cavities fixed and he is 7. Sometimes cavities are just genetic too. He was able to have the laughing gas and was just fine for the entire procedure...it was really big deal. I DO think that it is important to do.

Teeth can be remineralized.
http://wellnessmama.com/3650/how-to-remineralize-teeth-na...