My son had 3 or 4 cavities when he was three years old, and I want to share with you our amazing experience! My son apparently has a tooth condition that makes him much more likely to get cavities than an average child, despite brushing and flossing. So, our dentist has said that as long as we monitor him well and catch the cavities when they are little, he should be fine.
I was referred to Dr. Michael Perper, and to date he is the only dentist I have found that takes this unique approach. When kids go there, they are encouraged to play in the playroom, and then build repoir and play games with the dental hygenist and the dentist, so that the appointment is not anxiety provoking, but is a mix of a check-up and fun and games. My son REALLY looks forward to going to the dentist, and he always gets covered in stickers all over his shirt when he leaves which he also loves.
In addition to their "play" approach of working with children, he also is able to fill most cavities without any local anesthesia, shots, or laughing gas. He uses a slow drill, which does not cause any pain. He explained that normal drills create heat which heats the tooth and causes pain and sensitivity, but this slow drill technique does not. The child just hears the noise and some pressure and it kind of tickles them.
Since my son had 3 cavities he had them filled during two visits instead of one. And he actually enjoyed the visit and had no pain. The only caveat is that there are some cavities that are large or close to the root that do need to have anesthesia given. But, I would not agree to put my child under general anesthesia for a cavity, as it is more for the convenience of the dentist. Dr. Perper is a bit of a drive for us, but well worth it.
Dr. Michael Perper
400 W. Dundee Rd
Buffalo Grove, IL
847-541-KIDS (5437)