Options for cavities in 2-year-old's front teeth
I have a 2 year-old who was seen this past week for cavities on her front 4 teeth. The pediatric dentist recommended silver diamine fluoride ("SDF"), a type of fluoride applied onto the cavity-part of the teeth that turns the cavity-part BLACK. The result would be teeth that looked white and speckled black. The other option was general anesthesia at Children's Hospital Oakland where all 4 teeth would be filled. Does anyone know of a NATURAL or more conservative dentist who is not quick to recommend such a harsh choice between these two aggressive options? I have heard of fluoride varnish which is largely clear and not black. I live in Oakland but I'm willing to travel for the right person. Also I am not looking for advice on preventing further cavities or the dangers of fluoride or advice like "baby teeth will grow out."
Parent Replies
Maybe just try getting a second opinion? When my daughter was little we went to a couple of dentists who recommended some really invasive procedures. I called my insurance and got approval for second (and third) opinions, and just looked on the insurance provider's dentist list to find someone else. Sometimes there were other options and sometimes there were not. I've done the same for my own dental care. You can also look for "family dentist" rather than just pediatric.
I took my son to Pediatric Oral Wellness in Albany for the first time earlier this year. He is 4-1/2, and while he didn't have any cavities, they were able to get him to cooperate with all the procedures without any issues. Their entire practice is to treat children. If there's an alternative or "second opinion", I would definitely call/see them.
My daughter got her first cavities --and fillings-- at age 2, and Dr. Meeta Doshi was so gentle that it was completely non-traumatic. After many subsequent visits, she never had any fear of dentist visits. When she was 8 she said "my dentist doesn't give shots" -- Dr. Doshi was so adept at numbing with a topical andvthen hiding the needle that in 6 years my daughter had never realized she got a shot with each filling.
Update: I did go to three dentists who all said the same thing. I really loved Dr. Vivian Lopez. She was patient, competent, and non-judgmental. We are most likely to go with the silver diamine fluoride to delay fillings under general anesthesia. Although it will stain caries black, we are willing to wait and see.