Expert: Frederick R. Liewehr DDS, MS, FICD - 8/10/2006

Question
5 months ago my daughter was diagnosed as needing 3 root canals (pulpectomy) and 7 fillings. She is extreamly anxious. She pulled off the nitrious oxide mask 2x and they say general anesthisia is required.

Problem: my ex refuses to allow treatment saying anesthesia is unsafe in the dentist office. Now the court will hear the case before she can get treatment.

Can you give me information or resouces that I can show in court? Do you feel it is safe at the dentist office? How long is it safe to go untreated? Possible consequenses?

Thank you.  

Answer
There are many types of sedation available, Naiomi, and the risk varies. A good, short, list with explanations of the various options can be found here http://www.docshop.com/education/dental/sedation-dentistry/methods/ Most pediatric dentists, at least those who have been trained in the last 10-20 years or so, practice various sedation modalities from oral medication to taking the child to the OR for treatment. They are used to these problems, and know how to handle them. So, you need to discuss these options with your pediatric dentist to see which is best for your daughter. In many cases, a child will go to the OR and have all that treatment completed at once, which is very convenient for everyone. There is risk in any procedure, so nobody could say that this is not the case. However, if your child needs the amount of treatment you indicate, there is always the risk of her developing an abscess and other problems that not only threaten her health, but that would make emergency treatment necessary that would be a lot more unpleasant than taking her to the OR under controlled conditions for her treatment. Ask your pediatric dentist for some references on dental anesthesia, which will of course vary according to which type you decide will be best for your child. Here is a little blurb on conscious sedation, which is very safe http://www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/sedation.asp and here is one on general anesthesia, should you choose that route: http://www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/anesthesia.asp So, bottom line is, talk to your pediatric dentist, and you should have no trouble convincing the court that your daughter needs the care. Good luck!
Dr. Liewehr