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Dentistry/Surgery for a 14 months old.

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Expert: - 11/9/2008


Question
My son is almost 14 months old and has 8 teeth.  However, 6 of those 8 require white fillings.  I've been nursing him during the night time, and that's what caused the cavities his dentist said.  The dentist also mentioned that during his 17 years of practice he has never seen such bad teeth at such young age.  To take care of my son's teeth, he has to be taken to the hospital and given anesthesia.  And that's the part I'm worried the most about; how do children generally do while having such procedure and what are the risks included?  Thank you.

Answer
During my training and early years practicing children's dentistry I treated many youngsters in the operating room under general anesthesia.  Generally, they do very well since there is maximum supervision during the process, from pre-surgical examination by the pediatrician, pre-surgical blood work, the presence of an attending anesthesiologist, and a surgical nursing team to assist the dentist.  Admittedly, 14 months is a very young age for the operating room but if you obtain the proper clearance from the pediatrician and anesthesiologist then the risks are minimal.  You must discuss the risks with your son's pediatrician and the anesthesiologist before you proceed.  
In my experience I treated many youngsters under general anesthesia.  Many had pre-existing health problems and others not.  There were no complications or untoward effects from the general anesthesia.  There is a risk, as small as it might be, of death or permanent disability as a result of general anesthesia.  The same may be said of driving in a car with a seatbelt and child restraint.

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Dr. Randolph Myerson

Expertise

Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.

Experience

I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.

Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.

Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.

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