I’m a little frustrated with our pediatric dentist. First, they insisted we get my son sealants. I actually didn’t mind that too much because I see the benefit of sealants. However, they refused to place them unless I also pay for nitrous oxide. I felt that wasn’t necessary, but sucked it up and paid the added expense.  We go back six months later for his next check-up and one of the sealants is missing. It fell off. Now they’re insisting I have it re-done at MY expense, with nitrous oxide again. Should I? I feel I’m being gouged.

Tara B. – Michigan

Tara,

The dentist-patient relationship is an important one that requires trust, especially when you’re dealing with a pediatric dentist.  Our children are so important. We have enough to worry about with their safety, we should be able to put our guard down when interacting with their healthcare providers. It sounds to me like you feel you can’t trust your pediatric dentist. That may be a sign to get another one.

There isn’t a medical reason to use nitrous oxide when placing dental sealants. It’s a simple, painless procedure which shouldn’t require any type of sedation or numbing.  If your son is anxious at the dentist and has trouble calming down because of fear, that would be a reason for the nitrous. I don’t know your son, but you do.  I’ll let you decide if the nitrous was necessary in that case.

As to the sealant falling off, this bothers me also. Sealants should last for around ten years.  If they fall off that quickly it either means it wasn’t placed properly or your son eats a lot of hard or chewy/sticky food.  Obviously, that type of diet can destroy his teeth, so if that’s the case you’ll  want to re-evaluate. If you can’t see a reason his diet could have damaged the sealant, I’d ask them to replace the sealant at their expense.

If you’re uncomfortable with this pediatric clinic you can try another one or see if your dentist enjoys treating children. It’s not a necessity that children see a pediatric specialist unless a complicated issue comes up.  For basic services, a family dentist who loves children is just as adequate.

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