Hi IMs
I'm just after a bit of moral support I guess. My 2.5yo has tooth decay and we've been told the best course of action is to have teeth removed, others filled and protective caps put on under general anesthetic. I've shopped around and gotten second, third and fourth opinions, seen different doctors and dentists etc so I feel confident we're doing the right thing. But I'm so terrified of her being under general anesthetic, having surgery. Just after any advice of parents who've been through this or something similar. She's having front teeth removed and some people we know have been making comments that she's going to look weird and get picked on. So I'm worried about the actual procedure but also afterwards too. My dentist said lots of kids get teeth removed for whatever reason and kids don't normally care (meaning her or her peers) so i shouldn't worry too much. I'd hate for her to become self conscious and stop smiling, because she has the most amazing and infectious smile. But I have adults we know saying otherwise. I think I just need some reassurance that it will all be okay. Thanks 😔
General anesthetic/toddler tooth decay
General anesthetic/toddler tooth decay
Posted in:
Baby & Toddler
6 Replies
I knocked both front teeth out at 2. Never got teased. Loved singing all I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth in grade 1 though 😀
other children really won’t notice your daughters teeth. Your daughter is most likely in pain, so it really needs to be done. Not getting her teeth fixed can actually make her quite sick down the line. So tell the adults to shut up, be supportive or stay away.
By the time kids would start noticing teeth kids are loosing them anyway so she will fit right in.
My son has to go in every few years under GA for dental treatment, has done since he was about 3. He has a few medical conditions and disabilities that make his teeth and oral care generally trickier than usual. It’s always been a very smooth process and far harder on me than my son. The dentist always got me to go into the theatre with my son, they’d put the gas mask on until he was asleep, then the drip would go in and I’d leave the theatre. Then I’d be taken down to recovery to meet my son there. Your child will be fine. The theatre staff are well used to nervous parents and children.
My brother had front teeth removed because of decay too. My mum was a nervous wreck too but everything went fine and he was never teased. His adult teeth eventually grew and you’d never know now.
I can imagine this is very scary for you. I think you need to speak to the dentist again about all your options, why she needs this work, how urgently, and what will happen if she doesn't get the work done. When you have all these facts then I think it it's necessary, the anaesthesia and the gaps will just be a necessary part of the treatment.
My son chipped his two front teeth almost in half, when he was 18 months old. Dentist was happy to leave them in as they'd fall on their own and not causing pain etc.
They did look funny until he lost them at about 6 but no other kids noticed and he wasn't remotely phased by it, never teased or anything.
You're doing the right thing for her health and they're baby teeth, it's not like they won't ever grow in.
I'd tell the adults who are getting in your ear to mind their damn business and keep their comments to themselves. It's usually adults who put these silly ideas into kids heads in the first place.
You're doing the right thing 💜
1) my two year old had cancer and was put under GA several times no problems
2) all kids have missing teeth at various stages/ages
3) whoever said she’ll get picked on is a bloody idiot, and it’s certainly not a good enough reason to not go through with the surgery! Just make sure the idiots (I’m assuming family) in your life don’t call her names or make fun of her.