Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 2/8/2004

Question
My son is 2 and a half-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Hello,
My son is suppose to be seen Monday to have his 2 front teeth pulled...He had crowns on these teeth before and one chipped and they say there is too little nerve or something to bond to it and the other the protective coating or whatever it is came off the tooth and the dark part of the crown is showing...They say that tooth will absess ...........I dunno
They say they can replace the teeth with a space mantain fixed bilateral
not covered but insurance but anyway
The main thing is they say that crowns on front teeth they hardly ever recommend because they don't hold up or something
I'm just wondering if I'm getting good advice
I kinda feel I should trust them because the crowns are in bad shape but on the otherhand am doubting due to the whole experience being complicated
Could you share any knowledge?
Thank You,
Concerned Parent

PS He has had a baby root canal in one tooth and beside the 2 teeth they are wanting to exract there is a tooth with a dark spot they say they can wait and see about
Answer -
How old is your son? I am assuming under age 6 and that these are baby teeth. It is hard for me to comment any more until I get that information from you. But I can tell you this: if you have ANY questions or reservations with what your dentist is telling you, get a second opinion. And I cannot do that online without seeing your son. Call another dentist in your town and get him in right away. It can be a general dentist who sees a lot of kids or a pediatric dentist (a specialist). This is the only way to put your mind at ease and make sure you are making the correct decision. Good Luck...or email me back with more details.

Jeff Dalin, DDS


Answer
Now that helps me out. He would not lose these teeth until age 6 or 7 or so. If they are extracted you will want one of those fixed retainers with teeth hanging off of it...will look better and retain space. It is obviously better to have the teeth in place. I would definitely get that second opinion and see if anyone feels that crowns can be done. Due to his age, a pediatric dentist is the way to go. Make the call tomorrow morning and see what others say.

Jeff Dalin, DDS