The dentist was not so fun today. Ally was a great patient, never once cried or refused to open her mouth. It was more what the dentist had to say that was upsetting. (And kind of the way he said it as well....)
They want to put Ally under anesthesia, scrape out all of the decay and then cap all 20 of her teeth. We have to check all this with her oncologists and see what they think about it. The more upsetting part was that the dentist had a general air about him that the condition of her teeth was our fault; for not brushing properly and allowing her to use the sippy cup whenever she wanted; even though I explained to him that she has had extensive chemo and there was a point where we had to do whatever we could to put weight on her. I guess I am just getting overly sensitive about things, because he never came right out and said anything like that, but some of his comments made me feel that way and it took a lot of self control not to say anything to him.
Tomorrow is Ally's blood draw, we will get results next Wednesday. If the oncologist thinks the teeth capping thing is a good idea then we will look into scheduling it after we find out HAMA results.
Note from listener: It sounds like that dentist never read past the first three reasons for tooth discoloration on this list:
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tooth-discoloration
The fourth item on the list is:
Disease. Several diseases that affect enamel (the hard surface of the teeth) and dentin (the underlying material under enamel) can lead to tooth discoloration. Treatments for certain conditions can also affect tooth color. For example, head and neck radiation and chemotherapy can cause teeth discoloration...
Has he ever treated a young child who's had cancer, before? I suggested that they seek out a pediatric dentist. I can only wish upon them a dentist like mine who is so kind he even has "We cater to cowards" on his advertisements.
The feelings Ally’s Mom was getting are not to be discounted. She was picking up on something there giving her important information. So I recommended: “Trust your gut. Go for a second opinion and if you like the second dentist better, go to that dentist. You owe this first dentist nothing. He doesn't deserve to care for Ally and take your money if he doesn't see the larger picture. There is another dentist out there just right for Ally. Ask friends for a few good names.”
Then I googled pediatric dentists in their area and found several. My favourite is the practice that has this on their website:
"We love children and that sentiment guides our hand. Each of us recognizes the incomparable precious bond you have to your children. Therefore we respect and value the trust you place in us in caring for them. While reactions and results can never be guaranteed, our sincere best efforts are absolutely assured."
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