extraction for 5 yr old with bad past experience

[julie]

My 5 yr old son had a HORRIBLE experience with a local pediatric dentist when he was almost 3. We switched dentists, but he is so petrified of the dentist, we have to bribe him to go. One of the front teeth that was capped (next to the front) has always had some discoloration on the gum above. Now there is a pimple like area, where some infection is trying to get out. I took him to the new dentist who said the root is cracked and they need to remove the tooth. They do not use gas at this particular dentist, and I am wondering what "conscious sedation" is and other options for helping him get through the procedure. If they try to pull the tooth and it breaks off, they will have to dig for it, and that is just not going to work with this kid. Any suggestions??

[Daniel Ravel DDS, FAAPD]

Dear julie,

Conscious sedation will help relax a child during dental treatment, but it will not "knock a child out."

If a primary tooth breaks during extraction, the dentist will attempt to retreive the missing piece as long as the procedure is not too difficult.

For more info on sedation, look at dentalresource.org/topics15.htm