Parents, what would you do about this problem...is there cause for concern?

My oldest daughter is 6. She lost her first 2 teeth (the 2 bottom middle) when she was 5 and they came back fine. Well, since then she has lost one on each side of the bottom middle, her 2 front teeth, the ones on each side and one more at the top (this is 7 teeth) and none of them have returned.


At her last dentist appointment I asked the hygeinist (the dentist has never once come out to talk with me) about them-this was in Jan. She said they were fine and should come in any day. She has lost more since then...I would like to have x-rays to see if there is a problem. I am really concidering going to another dentist. There are several foods (i.e. apples, chicken) that she hasn't been able to eat since the summer...and she is really starting to get embarrased. Like today is Spring Picture day and she was trying to practice smiling without the missing teeth showing. Please give your opinion...also please no jokes.

Parents, what would you do about this problem...is there cause for concern?
If they have never done x-rays then I would definatelly go to a different dentist. If they did xrays, but it was a long time ago I would probably request a new set but you would more then likely have to pay for them since the insurance company pays for x-rays every 5 yrs or so.





Actually, now reading your question again, you said the dentist doesnt talk to you...so I would say Yes, go to a different dentist.
Reply:Take her to another dentist. I'm surprised he never came out to speak to you about this. I would get another opinion.
Reply:yes, I'd get an opinion from a second dentist, especially since your dentist won't even come examine her- that's NOT ok, even if there isn't anything specific you're concerned about...


It doesn't sound good at all that she's losing so many teeth and none are growing back. You are right to be concerned!


good luck!!
Reply:How old is she now? It sounds like she started losing teeth somewhat early b/c she started at 5 and 6 is average. Every child loses teeth differently. Some kids lose teeth and the permanents don't erupt for quite some time, while others will have to have the baby ones pulled b/c the permanents are already coming in and the babies won't budge. Have they not taken x-rays yet? Usually, they take films at the appointments and these should show the permanent teeth. If they are there, there is nothing to worry about. They will come in when they are ready. The lower front teeth erupt around 6-7 and top around 7-8. Request a panoramic x-ray if you are concerned. This will show all permanent teeth forming in the bone. However, there are signs we look for to see if teeth are coming soon w/out x-rays. Usually, the bone area will thicken, the gums will begin to form small bulges where the teeth are beginning to push underneath, etc. In general, the dental hygienist is usually the one that does all the explaining for the doc, but if you are concerned ask to talk with the doc about it.
Reply:Whoa!


You are right to be concerned--that dentist should be either re-assuring you about your daughter's late-coming teeth or finding out why she hasn't had anything growing in to replace the teeth that she has lost. There are very rare instances where people do not get teeth growing in to replace lost baby teeth ( very rare ) and then again, some people do not lose their baby teeth at all and have to go through life with small teeth.


My advice is to speak DIRECTLY to the dentist, not the hygenist. You are paying for the dental visit for a reason.


Stand up and don't be afraid of asking or at the very least, going elsewhere.


Speak the dentist right away--you owe it to your daughter and yourself to find out what is up with her missing teeth!


Good luck!
Reply:At least get a second opinion.



computers