Wait and see on a cavity on back molar for a 7 year old?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, if you are unsure of what to do with the treatment options your current dentist has given you, why not seek another opinion from a respected pediatric dentist, especially if your DC has some fear issues? It is interesting to hear the opinions of the dentists here, but they can't examine your child, so this seems rather pointless if not unprofessional to me.

+1

Hi, thanks for this. I trust my dentist. I was looking/hoping to hear from someone that they waited on a cavity and the tooth ended up falling out as scheduled or that the cavity remineralized itself. Some sort of "success" story if you will. I know that small cavities can in fact heal themselves and I've heard anecdotally from many adults (including myself) about an identified cavity that has yet to materialize into one that needs filling. I've just never heard that from anyone's experience with baby teeth. It always seems as though people opt to get them filled even though the tooth will fall out eventually. It sounds like most people opt for the easier path which is to fill a small cavity vs wait it out to see if it turns into something bigger but I just wanted to see if there was anyone who waited in and the next yearly xray actually showed nothing!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another dentist here, agreeing with first dentist. One step further is to request SDF- silver diamine fluoride- it arrests the cavity by killing the cavity-causing bacteria. The SDF liquid drop can be flossed through the spot, preventing the drill and fill. Google SDF if you like. It's quite a handy alternative.

First dentist here.
We just started using SDF (I work in a clinic) and I thought it could only be used on gross caries. Good to know it can be used the way you describe - I always tell my patients to dip their floss in ACT or some equivalent product. Thanks for the info!

You're very welcome

Pediatric dentist here: SDF works great for small cavities and not gross cavities. Look up the SDF protocol from UCSF dental school.

I'll definitely look that up. Thanks.

I don't know which protocol we are using, but it involves placing the SDF on kids with rampant decay, waiting a month or so, and then throwing some Fuji IX in there to sort of get these primary teeth to limp across the finish line. Working in a clinic, that's unfortunately the majority of patients we see.

Pediatric Dentist here: So you are doing some form of ART and in your clinical situation that is okay. I do that for the kids I see when I go on mission trips who have problems accessing care. Helps hold them up a bit.

Do you ever refer the kids, especially the little ones, to a pediatric dentist or you just monitor?

We do refer, but we only get a certain amount of $ to cover the cost of referrals so they are usually only the worst of the worst that get to go. We monitor the others and treat as much as possible.

I just read the UCSF protocol and was surprised to see there has been success using SDF as a preventative in first molars. Do you have any experience with this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another dentist here, agreeing with first dentist. One step further is to request SDF- silver diamine fluoride- it arrests the cavity by killing the cavity-causing bacteria. The SDF liquid drop can be flossed through the spot, preventing the drill and fill. Google SDF if you like. It's quite a handy alternative.

First dentist here.
We just started using SDF (I work in a clinic) and I thought it could only be used on gross caries. Good to know it can be used the way you describe - I always tell my patients to dip their floss in ACT or some equivalent product. Thanks for the info!

You're very welcome

Pediatric dentist here: SDF works great for small cavities and not gross cavities. Look up the SDF protocol from UCSF dental school.

I'll definitely look that up. Thanks.

I don't know which protocol we are using, but it involves placing the SDF on kids with rampant decay, waiting a month or so, and then throwing some Fuji IX in there to sort of get these primary teeth to limp across the finish line. Working in a clinic, that's unfortunately the majority of patients we see.

Pediatric Dentist here: So you are doing some form of ART and in your clinical situation that is okay. I do that for the kids I see when I go on mission trips who have problems accessing care. Helps hold them up a bit.

Do you ever refer the kids, especially the little ones, to a pediatric dentist or you just monitor?

We do refer, but we only get a certain amount of $ to cover the cost of referrals so they are usually only the worst of the worst that get to go. We monitor the others and treat as much as possible.

I just read the UCSF protocol and was surprised to see there has been success using SDF as a preventative in first molars. Do you have any experience with this?

What is considered the worst of the worst?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another dentist here, agreeing with first dentist. One step further is to request SDF- silver diamine fluoride- it arrests the cavity by killing the cavity-causing bacteria. The SDF liquid drop can be flossed through the spot, preventing the drill and fill. Google SDF if you like. It's quite a handy alternative.

First dentist here.
We just started using SDF (I work in a clinic) and I thought it could only be used on gross caries. Good to know it can be used the way you describe - I always tell my patients to dip their floss in ACT or some equivalent product. Thanks for the info!

You're very welcome

Pediatric dentist here: SDF works great for small cavities and not gross cavities. Look up the SDF protocol from UCSF dental school.

I'll definitely look that up. Thanks.

I don't know which protocol we are using, but it involves placing the SDF on kids with rampant decay, waiting a month or so, and then throwing some Fuji IX in there to sort of get these primary teeth to limp across the finish line. Working in a clinic, that's unfortunately the majority of patients we see.

Pediatric Dentist here: So you are doing some form of ART and in your clinical situation that is okay. I do that for the kids I see when I go on mission trips who have problems accessing care. Helps hold them up a bit.

Do you ever refer the kids, especially the little ones, to a pediatric dentist or you just monitor?

We do refer, but we only get a certain amount of $ to cover the cost of referrals so they are usually only the worst of the worst that get to go. We monitor the others and treat as much as possible.

I just read the UCSF protocol and was surprised to see there has been success using SDF as a preventative in first molars. Do you have any experience with this?

What is considered the worst of the worst?

Usually the uncooperative children with rampant decay and the need for multiple extractions (and an acute abscess or 2) are considered the worst of the worst.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another dentist here, agreeing with first dentist. One step further is to request SDF- silver diamine fluoride- it arrests the cavity by killing the cavity-causing bacteria. The SDF liquid drop can be flossed through the spot, preventing the drill and fill. Google SDF if you like. It's quite a handy alternative.

First dentist here.
We just started using SDF (I work in a clinic) and I thought it could only be used on gross caries. Good to know it can be used the way you describe - I always tell my patients to dip their floss in ACT or some equivalent product. Thanks for the info!

You're very welcome

Pediatric dentist here: SDF works great for small cavities and not gross cavities. Look up the SDF protocol from UCSF dental school.

I'll definitely look that up. Thanks.

I don't know which protocol we are using, but it involves placing the SDF on kids with rampant decay, waiting a month or so, and then throwing some Fuji IX in there to sort of get these primary teeth to limp across the finish line. Working in a clinic, that's unfortunately the majority of patients we see.

Pediatric Dentist here: So you are doing some form of ART and in your clinical situation that is okay. I do that for the kids I see when I go on mission trips who have problems accessing care. Helps hold them up a bit.

Do you ever refer the kids, especially the little ones, to a pediatric dentist or you just monitor?

We do refer, but we only get a certain amount of $ to cover the cost of referrals so they are usually only the worst of the worst that get to go. We monitor the others and treat as much as possible.

I just read the UCSF protocol and was surprised to see there has been success using SDF as a preventative in first molars. Do you have any experience with this?[/quote


Yes, I believe in SDF and have used it for 2 years! Let me know if you have any questions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another dentist here, agreeing with first dentist. One step further is to request SDF- silver diamine fluoride- it arrests the cavity by killing the cavity-causing bacteria. The SDF liquid drop can be flossed through the spot, preventing the drill and fill. Google SDF if you like. It's quite a handy alternative.

First dentist here.
We just started using SDF (I work in a clinic) and I thought it could only be used on gross caries. Good to know it can be used the way you describe - I always tell my patients to dip their floss in ACT or some equivalent product. Thanks for the info!

You're very welcome

Pediatric dentist here: SDF works great for small cavities and not gross cavities. Look up the SDF protocol from UCSF dental school.

I'll definitely look that up. Thanks.

I don't know which protocol we are using, but it involves placing the SDF on kids with rampant decay, waiting a month or so, and then throwing some Fuji IX in there to sort of get these primary teeth to limp across the finish line. Working in a clinic, that's unfortunately the majority of patients we see.

Pediatric Dentist here: So you are doing some form of ART and in your clinical situation that is okay. I do that for the kids I see when I go on mission trips who have problems accessing care. Helps hold them up a bit.

Do you ever refer the kids, especially the little ones, to a pediatric dentist or you just monitor?

We do refer, but we only get a certain amount of $ to cover the cost of referrals so they are usually only the worst of the worst that get to go. We monitor the others and treat as much as possible.

I just read the UCSF protocol and was surprised to see there has been success using SDF as a preventative in first molars. Do you have any experience with this?[/quote


Yes, I believe in SDF and have used it for 2 years! Let me know if you have any questions.

Is SDF preventative or do you only put it on an actual cavity? Would OPs child be a good candidate for this treatment?

[Anonymous]

I would normally agree about seeking medical advice on DCUM, but the discussion between the dentists is very interesting and useful! Nice to hear about someone looking after the kids with such serious dental problems, the correlation between poverty and poor dental conditions.

[Anonymous]

OP, consider silver diamine fluoride. No drilling. Takes under one minute.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/mobile.nytimes.com/2016/07/12/health/silver-diamine-fluoride-dentist-cavities.amp.html

[Anonymous]

^PP here. We needed it when our son's tooth was chipped and developed a cavity in the weak spot. Our dentist recommended it over traditional methods. FWIW, we live in NYC. We know others who have treated cavities with it, too. It takes less time than a dental cleaning!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another dentist here, agreeing with first dentist. One step further is to request SDF- silver diamine fluoride- it arrests the cavity by killing the cavity-causing bacteria. The SDF liquid drop can be flossed through the spot, preventing the drill and fill. Google SDF if you like. It's quite a handy alternative.

First dentist here.
We just started using SDF (I work in a clinic) and I thought it could only be used on gross caries. Good to know it can be used the way you describe - I always tell my patients to dip their floss in ACT or some equivalent product. Thanks for the info!

You're very welcome

Pediatric dentist here: SDF works great for small cavities and not gross cavities. Look up the SDF protocol from UCSF dental school.

I'll definitely look that up. Thanks.

I don't know which protocol we are using, but it involves placing the SDF on kids with rampant decay, waiting a month or so, and then throwing some Fuji IX in there to sort of get these primary teeth to limp across the finish line. Working in a clinic, that's unfortunately the majority of patients we see.

Pediatric Dentist here: So you are doing some form of ART and in your clinical situation that is okay. I do that for the kids I see when I go on mission trips who have problems accessing care. Helps hold them up a bit.

Do you ever refer the kids, especially the little ones, to a pediatric dentist or you just monitor?

We do refer, but we only get a certain amount of $ to cover the cost of referrals so they are usually only the worst of the worst that get to go. We monitor the others and treat as much as possible.

I just read the UCSF protocol and was surprised to see there has been success using SDF as a preventative in first molars. Do you have any experience with this?[/quote


Yes, I believe in SDF and have used it for 2 years! Let me know if you have any questions.

Is SDF preventative or do you only put it on an actual cavity? Would OPs child be a good candidate for this treatment?

It depends on the X-ray- if on enamel only then SDF will be first on my list. I currently have a couple of kids that have small inter-proximal lesions (cavities in between the teeth) that are on an SDF protocol and it seems to be working. Larger ones into dentin, i tend to treat.

Please consider joining the SDF dentist group on Facebook

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another dentist here, agreeing with first dentist. One step further is to request SDF- silver diamine fluoride- it arrests the cavity by killing the cavity-causing bacteria. The SDF liquid drop can be flossed through the spot, preventing the drill and fill. Google SDF if you like. It's quite a handy alternative.

First dentist here.
We just started using SDF (I work in a clinic) and I thought it could only be used on gross caries. Good to know it can be used the way you describe - I always tell my patients to dip their floss in ACT or some equivalent product. Thanks for the info!

You're very welcome

Pediatric dentist here: SDF works great for small cavities and not gross cavities. Look up the SDF protocol from UCSF dental school.

I'll definitely look that up. Thanks.

I don't know which protocol we are using, but it involves placing the SDF on kids with rampant decay, waiting a month or so, and then throwing some Fuji IX in there to sort of get these primary teeth to limp across the finish line. Working in a clinic, that's unfortunately the majority of patients we see.

Pediatric Dentist here: So you are doing some form of ART and in your clinical situation that is okay. I do that for the kids I see when I go on mission trips who have problems accessing care. Helps hold them up a bit.

Do you ever refer the kids, especially the little ones, to a pediatric dentist or you just monitor?

We do refer, but we only get a certain amount of $ to cover the cost of referrals so they are usually only the worst of the worst that get to go. We monitor the others and treat as much as possible.

I just read the UCSF protocol and was surprised to see there has been success using SDF as a preventative in first molars. Do you have any experience with this?[/quote


Yes, I believe in SDF and have used it for 2 years! Let me know if you have any questions.

Is SDF preventative or do you only put it on an actual cavity? Would OPs child be a good candidate for this treatment?

It depends on the X-ray- if on enamel only then SDF will be first on my list. I currently have a couple of kids that have small inter-proximal lesions (cavities in between the teeth) that are on an SDF protocol and it seems to be working. Larger ones into dentin, i tend to treat.

Please consider joining the SDF dentist group on Facebook

That question wasn't from me (the other dentist) but I will!

[Anonymous]

I've also heard that MI paste can help to remineralize teeth. Not sure if it can help with a cavity in between teeth but it's helped my teeth with some small white spots that developed from bad brushing with braces.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, if you are unsure of what to do with the treatment options your current dentist has given you, why not seek another opinion from a respected pediatric dentist, especially if your DC has some fear issues? It is interesting to hear the opinions of the dentists here, but they can't examine your child, so this seems rather pointless if not unprofessional to me.

+1

Hi, thanks for this. I trust my dentist. I was looking/hoping to hear from someone that they waited on a cavity and the tooth ended up falling out as scheduled or that the cavity remineralized itself. Some sort of "success" story if you will. I know that small cavities can in fact heal themselves and I've heard anecdotally from many adults (including myself) about an identified cavity that has yet to materialize into one that needs filling. I've just never heard that from anyone's experience with baby teeth. It always seems as though people opt to get them filled even though the tooth will fall out eventually. It sounds like most people opt for the easier path which is to fill a small cavity vs wait it out to see if it turns into something bigger but I just wanted to see if there was anyone who waited in and the next yearly xray actually showed nothing!

My DS has 2 small cavities on baby teeth that are expected to fall out within the next year. His dentist has discouraged filling them and said if they start to bother him then she can "call the tooth fairy early". He also has molars with no enamel so he's destined for lots of dental work anyhow, but at least we can save him from some of it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, if you are unsure of what to do with the treatment options your current dentist has given you, why not seek another opinion from a respected pediatric dentist, especially if your DC has some fear issues? It is interesting to hear the opinions of the dentists here, but they can't examine your child, so this seems rather pointless if not unprofessional to me.

+1

Hi, thanks for this. I trust my dentist. I was looking/hoping to hear from someone that they waited on a cavity and the tooth ended up falling out as scheduled or that the cavity remineralized itself. Some sort of "success" story if you will. I know that small cavities can in fact heal themselves and I've heard anecdotally from many adults (including myself) about an identified cavity that has yet to materialize into one that needs filling. I've just never heard that from anyone's experience with baby teeth. It always seems as though people opt to get them filled even though the tooth will fall out eventually. It sounds like most people opt for the easier path which is to fill a small cavity vs wait it out to see if it turns into something bigger but I just wanted to see if there was anyone who waited in and the next yearly xray actually showed nothing!

My DS has 2 small cavities on baby teeth that are expected to fall out within the next year. His dentist has discouraged filling them and said if they start to bother him then she can "call the tooth fairy early". He also has molars with no enamel so he's destined for lots of dental work anyhow, but at least we can save him from some of it.

How old is your DS? Are the molars with no enamel baby teeth or permanent teeth? My DD had two baby molars like this that ended up being pulled, but teeth pulling of baby teeth wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Good luck - I know how difficult dental work can be for the young ones.

[Anonymous]

Bump. This is informative... my DD has a small cavity on a back molar except she's 9. She's already lost 10 teeth already but the back molars don't typically fall out until 12. Anyone out there fill a baby tooth for a nine year old?