Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 11/3/2008

Question
My child is 6.  She has a molar that looks to me like it has a cavity in it but, her dentist says it doesn't.  I have had her check it the last 2 cleanings and I even took her in an extra time too check it and she she got aggravated at me, kinda like I didn't trust her.  She alrady has 2 silver caps and I just don't want her too have anymore.  She goes for a check up the end of dec.  Should I wait and if so, and she tells me it is a cavity and it will need a cap, what should I do?  Should I insist on a filling only?  I have also, asked for sealants  several times and they seem to forget to do it.

Answer
if they keep saying no, then it would be surprising to get something that large that it needs another steel crown. communication is always key. you just need to tell the dentist that you want a filling and not a steel crown. i always try to listen to my patients. as far as sealants go, we only do them on the permanent molars (not the baby molars) so you do not even do them until age 6-8 or so. december is not that far off. if it really bothers you then get in sooner. good luck

jeff dalin, dds