Dentist appointment

Sara's Mom · #1 06-14-2004, 06:58 PM

Sara's dentist found the beginnings of a cavity in the back of her mouth today. She called it a "sugar spot" and told us we would need to take her to a dentist that works in the OR under general anesthesia for a filling. She does not feel comfortable doing it in office because Sara has a trach and is so small (3 1/2 yrs. 24 lbs.) I told my husband, it's got to be safer with a guaranteed airway, right? UGH!!!! I guess if it's a weight issue, that makes more sense.
The bad thing is we picked this dentist because she works with special needs kids. It seems really extreme to me for a sugar spot. What do you guys think? I'm thinking if we have to do it, maybe we could talk her ENT into doing a scope at the same time. I'm going to call another dentist, but thought I'd ask you guys before I call. Thanks for your input.

Erin

Ann · #2 06-14-2004, 07:05 PM

Hi Erin - seems kind of extreme to me too. Â*I guess taking care of a "special needs kid" has different meanings to different people. Â*Apparently a child with a trach is more than she bargained for? Â*Jack sees a dentist in Mesa (I know, it's kind of far for you) - Dr. Creech. Â*He also "specializes" in special needs kids. Â*He didn't get too freaked out with Jack, but, then again, we haven't had to deal with cavities yet. Â*You may want to call his office and see what he says. Â*

Good luck,
Ann

Sara's Mom · #3 06-14-2004, 11:30 PM

Thanks, Ann. I'd probably go to Tucson if it means having a dentist that isn't freaked out by Sara. You're right about "special needs" meaning so many different things. I'm just frustrated that she wasn't honest with us the first time we went in that she would never feel "comfortable" treating Sara for more than an exam. Oh well, I know this is a fairly trivial thing. I'm going to call Sara's pediatrician tomorrow and ask her opinion and then start calling dentists. Thanks for the name.

Erin

cariaad · #4 06-15-2004, 06:30 AM

Alli has 4 cavities and is on a waiting list to get them filled under general anesthesia. No one around here would want to try otherwise on a child with an oral aversion, autism, trach etc. It would be too dangerous in my opinion anyway. Deb

christyw · #5 06-15-2004, 12:27 PM

Erin,

We have a dentistry clinic in our children's hospital. Is there anything like that there? I would think that ours would be able to do the OR stuff if necessary...but I also think that ours would be so comfortable with little kids that they wouldn't go to that extreme in most cases. Anyway, I had no idea that the hospital had this clinic until someone else told me, so that's why I mention this to you, in case you might have the same luck. We had a really good experience there with Gaithy's first, and so far only, cleaning. The lady worked super-fast and acted like she did this to tiny kids, and those with trach, vents, you name it, all the time. That was a great thing for us.

christy

Sara's Mom · #6 06-16-2004, 12:45 AM

Thanks for all the responses. I felt really panicked about this yesterday. I'm going to start by finding Sara a dentist who is able (willing) to work on her. Hopefully they will agree to wait awhile to gain some weight if that is really a contributing factor to not doing it in office. Especially since it's not actually a cavity yet.
Janet---the dentist never mentioned it being traumatic for Sara, just that she didn't feel comfortable with the trach in case anything happened to her airway and Sara's small size. I really think she's just freaked out by the trach and I'm glad she was honest. The "sleepy drink" seems like a much better way to go.
Sara has an incredibly high pain tolerance (refused Tylenol 2 days post LTP) and really never gets upset during medical procedures so I think she would handle this quite well. Calling the Children's Hospital is a great idea. Thanks again for all the advice.

Erin

#7 06-16-2004, 08:44 AM

Erin,
Â* Is the dentist assuming Sara would have to be sedated? If it's a pediatric dentist I would hope they be able to take care of the sugar spot without sedation. Maybe you should clarify that before you get the 2nd opinion. I would think it would be only fair to give Sara a chance at tolerating it on her own. Ellie had a cavity filled last year. This dentist keeps me in the waiting room and Ellie always magically appears happy with the job done. I don't know what they do, but I like their approach.
Angie

Sara's Mom · #8 06-16-2004, 08:06 PM

Angie,
I just really think Sara is beyond her comfort level and from what I've read from all the responses, I'm hopeful that a different dentist will work with us to find the most reasonable solution.
BTW, Sara misses Ellie and Orla. The last few days, she keeps telling me she misses her new friends. We have a picture of all the girls (and one of Sara and Gaithy) on her bulletin board in her room. She takes them off the board and gives them kisses.
Thanks,
Erin