I’m worried my daughter is not being served well by our pediatric dentist. We’ve been there for two appointments and they’ve never done an x-ray. She’s a tad wiggly and then said, “Either they cooperate and we do them or they don’t and we don’t.” They did do a cleaning and visual exam and told us we’re good to go. I thought that meant there weren’t any problems. But, two days ago, she said her tooth hurt at bedtime. I gave her some ibuprofen and put her to bed planning to call the pediatric dental office in the morning. They were closed, so I called my family dentist. They told me to bring her right in. They were easily able to get her through the x-rays by simply explaining to her what was happening. It turned out she had a massive infection on her molar. There was no way to save it, so they gave her some nitrous and removed the infected tooth. She feels a lot better, but now she is minus a molar for many years. I feel like maybe we are not getting the right treatment by the pediatric dentist. Do we have to see one? I feel my dentist is a much better option for us.
Regan
Dear Regan,
I will admit to being a tad concerned by what I’m hearing. It is the responsibility of the caregiver to help a patient through the necessary treatment.
This is especially true for pediatric dentists because everything is new and can be a somewhat scary to them. As you say with your family dentist, sometimes all it takes is a small chat to put them at ease and let them know what the machines are for.
I’m sure you are proud of your daughter for being such a trooper. I don’t know if you’ve had a tooth infection before but they are extraordinarily painful. You were wise to get her in right away. These are considered dental emergencies and can turn life threatening.
Pediatric Versus Family Dentist
To answer your question above, no your daughter does not have to see a pediatric specialist. General dentists who like to treat children are more than qualified. As your daughter experienced, they can give her a positive experience.
If ever there becomes a complicated issue which requires a specialist, they can easily give you a referral, though you probably won’t want to see the pediatric dentist you’ve been seeing.
One thing you’ll want to double check. She’ll need her molar for many years to come. When one has to be removed it’s important a space maintainer is placed there to hold the place.
Without that, her teeth will shift and crowding will develop creating the need for expensive braces.
This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.