Dentist waiting for 6 year molar to extract abcessesd molar.

[camas worm]

I took my almost 5 year old son to the dentist because he was complaining of pain and had pimples under his lower right molar which had been capped the previous year. The dentist said that he wanted to buy some time before extracting it to have the 6-year molar come in so that it would not push into the others spot and be able to Anchor a space holder from it. He sent us home with an appointment in August to check but my son's pimples have turned into a bubble. It has drained once but has come back and he has had some pain which seems to come and go and for which he does not want pain relievers. I worry from reading about sepsis and such and wonder if this is something that makes sense and I should not be such a worry wart. I appreciate any input.

 

[Dr M]

Did the dentist prescribe any antibiotics initially? Any chronic abscess on a primary tooth, can adversely affect the permanent successor if left untreated for too long? If the dentist did prescribe antibiotics, and the swelling returned with pain, it might be necessary to extract the tooth at this stage. Phone the dentist to arrange an appointment.

 

[MattKW]

1. Mostly abscessed baby teeth will drain the pus thru the pimple, thus averting systemic sepsis, so that at least is in your favour for now.
2. Antibiotics will make only short-term relief and should only be prescribed if your child develops a fever or facial swelling. And then the baby teeth should be immediately removed.
3. A chronic abscess in this situation is not likely to cause any direct harm to the developing adult teeth below, but it may cause them to start rotating within the bone.
4. I get that the dentist wants to wait for the 6s to erupt so he can place a space maintainer, but I think that's too far away. I'd want those baby teeth out ASAP, then go see an orthodontist about how he/she can help manage space maintenance. It can be difficult at this stage because of the facial growth of children.

 

[camas worm]

Thank you for the responses. I have been worried about his facial growth around all of this also. I live in a valley that is a dentist desert and I'm not sure where to turn. I feel like I need to find someone who has much experience behind them because I am so afraid for my little person. This is top priority and again I appreciate the words.

 

[camas worm]

Also, the dentist did prescribe him Amoxicillin initially. He wanted to wait 6 months to see which tooth was actually causing the issue thinking it was the second to last molar then when I brought him back a month later he determined it was the last one and that would be the one to be removed. I am feeling like I need to find a Pediatric Dental specialist with more experience as stated before but I do not know where to turn I am in Colorado and any referalls would be appreciated.

 

[camas worm]

Also, the dentist did prescribe him Amoxicillin initially. He wanted to wait 6 months to see which tooth was actually causing the issue thinking it was the second to last molar then when I brought him back a month later he determined it was the last one and that would be the one to be removed. I am feeling like I need to find a Pediatric Dental specialist with more experience as stated before but I do not know where to turn I am in Colorado and any referalls would be appreciated.

I also wanted to add that to the dentist I took my son too was a very nice person and seems to be conscientious about helping the little ones. I'm not lacking in Trust of him but lacking in Dental knowledge! Middle age mama worrywart!