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Mother Dismayed When 4-Year-Old Goes to Dentist for Routine Procedure and Comes Out Looking Like This

Jan. 17, 2013 11:15am Liz Klimas

Savannah White is only 4-years-old, a little young to be given the designation “metal mouth” since braces are still several years in her future and all her adult teeth have yet to come in. But after a trip to the dentist office to fill what mom though was a few cavities, a full set of silver capped teeth is what she was left with.

4 Year Old Savannah White Receives Silver Caps on All Her Teeth in Miscommunication Between Mother and Dentist

Savannah White, age 4, was given all silver caps on her teeth when her mother thought she was only getting four fillings. (Image via AZ Family)

“I didn’t expect for her entire mouth to be covered in silver,” Savannah’s mom Alecia White said, according to AZ Family. “We went in to have a couple of cavities done and she came out with a mouth full of silver.”

White said the 4-year-old was self-conscious of her appearance afterward.

“On a daily basis she says, ‘Mommy, I don’t like my teeth. I don’t like my teeth,’” White said. “And it’s really kind of hard to hear every single day.”

(Image via AZ Family)

Watch this report regarding the incident:

AZ Family asked a separate pediatric dentist to review Savannah’s case. Dr. Richard Chaet said putting crowns on all her teeth appears to have been merited given the level of deterioration and potential for further problems.

One commenter on this story explained that Savannah likely had a pulpotomy, which is when infected dental nerve tissue is removed and replaced with dental cement and capped with a stainless steel crown to ultimately save the tooth. The commenter bringing up pulpotomy as the medical procedure the child probably had called it the “child-sized version of a root canal.”

Chaet noted the communication between the mother and the dentist should have been better to prevent the shock afterward.

Watch AZ Family’s report:

Chaet also noted that given the number of crowns that were needed, most dentists would have used white veneers instead of stainless steel.

Savannah after her silver caps were replaced with white veneers. (Image via AZ Family)

After a local dentist heard of Savannah’s story, he volunteered to put new caps on the child free of charge.

Some commenters on the story though have pointed out the issue of the girl’s teeth becoming so deteriorated that such measures were necessary in the first place.

One commenter on Medical Daily wrote, “It’s obvious this child teeth are terribly neglected and several either rotted out or were pulled out? Then [you] gripe because they cap the rest?”

Others on AZ Family’s main story wrote things like:

Maybe the mom should brush her kids teeth…. – David Vanicelli
Sounds to me like the parents were letting the child eat the wrong foods and were not cleaning her teeth. – Paula Griffiths
[A] child that young shouldn’t have teeth that bad without a serious level of neglect. – Bhig Bhad Wolf

Let us know what you think about the situation in our comments section below.

(H/T: Yahoo! News)

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Comments (191)

BRONZESTAR
Posted on January 17, 2013 at 12:04pm
FYI for all you non-medical types; this is a common procedure refered to as “dental rehab”. These parents should be refered to social services for their gross neglect. This occurs when the child sleeps with abottle and grows up not brushing …. you get the picture. The caps ptotect the roots and keeps the space open for the permenant teeth.

Just saying

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- Jenny Lind
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 12:20pm
  There are medical conditions that cause soft decay, so hold off the judgement before all medical info is given, please.
  
  Report this comment
- txannie
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 12:27pm
  That explains why the dentist did it, it doesn’t explain why the dentist didn’t tell the mother he was doing it and why. It also doesn’t explain why the mother was surprised to see her child’s mouth after seing her. Is it the dentists failure to communicate or the parents lack of asking? I would like to know why the child was in the office with the dentist without the parent. None of my children were left alone until they were old enough to communicate properly and understand what the dr/dentist was saying or doing. My job is to be there to ask the questions and make sure everyone understands and protect my children. The dentist’s job is to do the dental work after I am informed of what is needed and why. Am I too old fashioned and protective or just doing it the right way?
  
  Report this comment
- knightEknight
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 12:27pm
  greenroughneck and jenny lind are correct.
  I have three adopted children, and the one with the best brushing habits has the most cavities and other dental problems. There are other explanations besides parental neglect. I don’t know whether neglect is the case here are not, but I’m sure you don’t either.
  
  Report this comment
- AxelPhantom
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 1:17pm
  Growing up I brushed my teeth almost obsessively, even took a tooth brush to school to brush after lunch. I flossed, I used the water pick every morning and night. My brother on the other hand brushed his teeth only when my mother noticed plaque build up and was busted, this meant he brushed once a week or so.
  
  When we went to the dentist every six months, guess who had all the cavities? Yep, me. Every six months I had two to three cavities.
  
  I was diagnosed with ADHD long before so I had never even tasted kool aid or soda until I was in my teens. I got cake and cookies for Christmas and my birthday. I ate lots of fresh fruits and vegetables though and still do.
  
  Some kids just have bad teeth. If your kid needs glasses or braces does it mean you are a neglectful parent?
  
  Report this comment
- thekuligs
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 1:20pm
  Seruously I have 5 kids–4 that aren’t babies and one of my kids just has bad teeth. Even though we keep up with dental care she has still had 3 cavities, and she woke woke up with a broken tooth she had pulled. Now she is about to get a crown. She brushes her teeth 2x a day and flosses which is more than most adults.Luckily, the dentist sees my other kids so he knows it is just her. She does not drink any soda and she hardly drinks any juice, she did not take bottle to bed–some people just have bad mouths. My father in law who is a dental care nut says he is the same way. When we have dental work done the dentist explains everything and even gives us written explanations of everything–the real issue is she thought they were doing fillings and got this.
  
  Report this comment
- circleDwagons
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 1:28pm
  Did the Dentist do a poor job of communication or did the mother not pay attention? It is possible that the dentist fully explained the situation and the parent heard what she wanted?
  
  Report this comment
- NeoFan
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 1:37pm
  We had a dentist in Colorado try to do this and charge us 5,000 dollars on one of my kids. We said no because they were baby teeth. His adult teeth came in fine and with no issues. It’s a money maker. The same claims were made by people that his soft enamel was caused by not brushing or sleeping with a juice bottle. My kids were never given juice and their teeth were brushed. One had firm enamel and one did not. People love to judge without any of the facts. The mom should tell them to go efff themselves.
  
  Report this comment
- thesandman
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 1:54pm
  Jenny Lind is correct. Specific medical conditions may very well be the issue here…not neglect. Another prime example of jumping the gun and wanting to lower the boom on someone without having all the facts first.
  
  Report this comment
- monitor
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 1:57pm
  Taught mine good dental hygene at an early age … for their benefit and as an investment.
  
  Report this comment
- lel2007
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 1:58pm
  A little pre-procedure CONSULTATION goes a long way. just sayin.
  
  Report this comment
- jungle J
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 2:10pm
  BRONZESTAR…why do you disrespect the medal?
  
  Report this comment
- Fubared
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 2:36pm
  In Detroit or Philly the dental dude would have gotten proper ups for da bling.
  
  Report this comment
- MittensKittens
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 2:37pm
  Hey mom! Pay attention and stop texting when the dentist is talking to you about your kid!
  
  Report this comment
- bryan69
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 2:41pm
  My son had to have a full set done when he was around three. We have a long family history of week teeth. His were done in nylon caps as they would be falling out and replaced anyway. Mind you, we all have great habits with brushing and it does no good at all. Feel fortunate not to have our teeth. Reserve those kinds of comments for actual abuse please.
  
  Report this comment
- Junter
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 2:57pm
  Agree. With one of my daughters we had similar but not nearly to this extent. When she was first getting her teeth in she insisted on breast feeding at night which caused decay. As parents we met with several dentists to discuss recommendations. In the end she received several silver caps on her baby teeth that are only slightly noticeable when she gives a big smile. No pulpectomy necessary.
  
  1. Why didn’t they see a dentist sooner? Could have prevented this level of decay.
  2. Where was mom while the work was being done? Didn’t they discuss it with the dentist before?
  3. Their insurance may not have covered White Vaneer caps. Mine doesn’t.
  
  Report this comment
- toto
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 3:02pm
  This is a case where fluoride and regular care would have made a world of difference. Not too late to start, though her permanent teeth are well on their way (her xrays should show level of development and whether ingested fluoride is still appropriate, they should be sealed as soon as they erupt and a topical fluoride program should be routine, through to adulthood, and beyond if necessary. Diet should be evaluated. Often it is not how much sugar is ingested, but how long a time period it stays in the mouth. Etc. etc. etc. Needs to be in the hands of a reputable pediatric dentist.
  
  Report this comment
- @leftfighter
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 3:10pm
  So, in short, the parent should be standing over her kid every night, making sure she’s brushing her booger mouth?
  
  Report this comment
- BetterInformed
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 4:02pm
  BronzeStar
  
  Folks with medals for bravery generally don’t flaunt them. If you did earn a Bronze Star, good job. But have a little class.
  
  Report this comment
- TooManycats
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 4:25pm
  Calling social services is something that shouldn’t be done without the provider having substantial knowledge of neglect and abuse. The consequences of calling the government in to “protect” children from parents who can’t afford dental care for their kids can be catastrophic for not only the patient, but any siblings in the home as well. I would prefer a child be left with a parent who doesn’t know how to brush their child’s teeth than shoved into a home where rape, molestation, and abuse of all kinds are common place.
  
  Also, you can’t rush to judgment. While I don’t believe this woman should take legal action, I do believe there are dentists out there that just don’t care or can’t communicate. Obviously he did the most cost effective thing to save the teeth. This mother definitely would be shocked at the appearance of her child being completely toothless. There are conditions that can cause this type of decay in children and adults alike. Extreme measures do need to be taken to prevent total loss. I have one of those conditions. I was shocked when I paid a dentist $40k for implants and was given faulty implants and someone else’s dentures instead. I found a new provider after saving for 2 years. After another $40k, a lot of pain, and hiding for 2 years, I couldn’t find an attorney to help get my money refunded, much less “damages”. Mom should invest her time in making sure this gets fixed, not playing lawsuit lottery. She should be thankful her girl still h
  
  Report this comment
- CHEL
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 4:56pm
  You really want to bring in social services???? The dentist should have brought the parent back and explained the procedure to her and offered the choices of silver vs. white veneer; but really ‘social services’????? Geesh!!!!!
  
  Report this comment
- DeathRattle
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 5:13pm
  My wife is a dental hygienist, she was AMAZED at the lack of care this girls parents have shown to her teeth. Clearly she cannot brush her own teeth and the parents can’t be bothered to help. This is so sad. As a retired deputy I HATE involving any kind of Child services in peoples lives, but this a case where they obviously are not taking the time with her that should be given.
  
  Child services has its place, but far too often they are liberal psycho-babble brown shirts.
  
  Report this comment
- KenInIL
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 6:17pm
  This looks more like “plussing the sale”. One of my sons had a root canal at about that age in a baby tooth and later had to have it pulled “because it wasn’t falling out when it was supposed to”.
  
  That is a heck of a lot of caps for one visit!
  
  Report this comment
- WATER-THE-TREE
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 6:22pm
  FYI there are crooked dentists out there. A long time ago I was looking for a new dentist. Tried this one told me I had to have five fillings costing $500.00 Something was not right I thought and went to one a fellow worker told me about. Ended up I only needed one filling costing about $50.00. And that is the only filling I have ever needed since, been some 20 years.
  
  That one evil dentist was going to fill my moth full of fillings that I did not need. He soon went out of business. There are evil minded greedy people out there!!!
  
  Report this comment
- Lt_Scrounge
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 7:33pm
  The question that comes to my mind is was the doctor receiving medicaid? I ask that because I just have to ask why the cost of this procedure wasn’t discussed with the mother? I have to think it wasn’t cheap, and even with regular insurance, a hefty co pay would’ve had to have been agreed to. Then the question becomes, was the procedure necessary or was medicaid fraud involved?
  
  Report this comment
- crackerone
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 9:21pm
  Who’s the baby daddy? Piers Morgan?
  
  Report this comment
- muffythetuffy
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 9:35pm
  IT MUST HAVE BEEN A WELFARE DENTIST, AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION DENTIST
  
  That work is a malpractice. White ceramic is what is used on exposed teeth but that dentist must have been un-qualified to use ceramics. Oh what a disaster for that poor blond blue eyed little girl. I hope they sue big time.
  
  Report this comment
- Mil Mom
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 12:58am
  You speak of neglect being the cause, I would argue. My daughter and her spouse tried to do everything correct with their firstborn. They would only let her have water if she was even laying down lest she fall asleep and rot her teeth. From the very beginning her gums were cleansed when she slept with a damp washcloth per dentists advice. (I might add both sides of family were prone too tooth decay regardless of habits or dental care.) The very first tooth they began brushing, seeing it that it was only with the kind of brush a pediatric dentist recommended and in the motion recommended. The short story is she had too have all her baby teeth pulled out in the front at 2 1/2 just as several cousins did. 4 different dentists and OSU’s dental clinic all told her it was an “hereditary issue” and there was no way they could get around it. Her other children she wasn’t nearly so pushy about the care and they had just the normal amount of cavities for a child their age. The twins she breastfed had worse cavities than the older sister who she didn’t. Again dentists cited an hereditary propensity with all them.
  
  Report this comment
- Marcia
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 7:31am
  I had horrible teeth as a young child. We are judging something that may not be as it appears. I agree that something other than silver would have been kinder – this child will be teased mercilessly because of this.
  
  Report this comment
- LIBERTARIAN T38
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 8:11am
  I have seen this in children… usually welfare kids. Just saying…I’ve done door to door sales and worked in a ghetto bank branch. This looks like parental neglect or an overzealous dentist. Speaking of which, I used to get cavities filled every 6 months with one dentist when I was a kid after moving to a new town. We changed dentists and I haven’t had a cavity since. Dentists can fill imaginary cavities…especially when the gov is paying…
  
  Report this comment
- term limits for congress
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 10:03am
  nice grill
  
  Report this comment
- dvwrld
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 2:17pm
  Hippa?
  
  Report this comment
- Livia
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 2:53pm
  I was very familiar with a toothbrush and paste as a child, I saw the dentist, did all the things one is supposed to do to keep my teeth in good shape. I lost them all anyhow. I asked my Dr. and dentist about this, they both told me that bad teeth can run in families. I know all my aunts, and cousins have dentures, most got them earlier than I did.
  
  Whether that bad teeth “gene” thing is true or not, I don’t know. Maybe someone can explain it far better than I can, I just know what went on in my family on the maternal side.
  
  Report this comment
dublinthewagons
Posted on January 17, 2013 at 12:01pm
It could be worse. If obamacare had been in effect the child would have been euthenized
Or her arms cut off.

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USACommoner
Posted on January 17, 2013 at 12:00pm
Sounds like mom is guilty of a little neglect there…you can’t allow a child’s teeth to rot out of their head and expect a dentist to fix it with only 4 fillings.

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walnutportconservative
Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:52am
Looks like another Blaze Story that got release befor proper review.

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- scuba13
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 12:01pm
  Just like your post walnut.
  
  Report this comment
- VetMike
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 1:07pm
  Sorry, where is the factual mistakes. The mother took the child to the dentist and the child ended up with metal caps rather than veneers. The dentist should have discussed all the issues leading to his decision and the alternative therapies available. However, another pediatric dentist reviewed the case and stated that the care was appropriate for the problems the child had but also stated veneers might have been better. Lastly, “bottle mouth” is a very real problem as is neglect of dental health. Many dentists do not take Medicare and those that do are very limited by the rules as to what they can do. Lastly, the resolution of this may take months or years so waiting for “all” the facts is jsut another way of saying ” wait until it is a non-story”.
  
  Report this comment
FlagWavingPatriot
Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:51am
Uh…who leaves a 4-year-old girl alone with a dentist? If the dentist doesn’t allow a parent to be present, go find a new dentist.

And how did ALL that work get done in one visit?

Story seems odd to me.

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- crazyrightwingmom
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 12:18pm
  Agreed. I have a mouth of caps….it is a huge procedure, many visits.
  
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- really.truly
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 9:16am
  My kids’ dentist is amazing. He is by far the most popular pediatric dentist in our city, and my children adore him and his office. They have mrs. Pacman in the children’s waiting area and a real parrot that loves talking to the kids. All that being said– they expect children to go back alone after the child’s first visit. My kids usually go back together (they’re 6 & 4), and I have absolutely no qualms about them going back without me. I trust their dentist. Children act differently with their parents around, and most kids act more brave and confident in the office without their parents (according to him and his staff). So a dentist that has that preference isn’t necessary shady or shoddy. Only my 6 yr old has ever had a cavity and after they took him back they realized it would need to be capped, they came out to tell me before it was done, but it was certainly explained to me. I don’t know if the dentist in this story was dishonest or the mother didn’t pay enough attention, but to me it’s odd that a 4 yr old is already missing that many teeth!!
  
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XaviorOnassis
Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:51am
I would love to know how that poor child’s teeth had so many cavities at that age!!! My god…my kids have never brushed on a regular basis no matter how often they are reminded and at 9 and 13 they have never had cavities like this.

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- John.Galt
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:59am
  Genetics.
  
  Report this comment
- rolex1965
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 12:08pm
  Why not teach the child what a toothbrush is and how to use it…POOR dental practices from mom….This child needs a good brushing lesson before her teeth turn black when she hit her teens….
  
  Report this comment
- greenroughneck
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 12:10pm
  Stop with the neglect cra.. Ever hear of heredity? Every tooth in my head was rotton by 10. And my poor kid went through the same thing. Had nothing to do with hygiene.
  
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- XaviorOnassis
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 1:16pm
  @Gene I don’t buy it. The only way a child’s teeth rot out like that by the age of 4 is if there is some serious issue with that child’s diet. Genetics do not come into play. We inherit a lot of things from our parents, including eating patterns and the idea of what “normal” means.
  
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- XaviorOnassis
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 1:24pm
  @Greenroughneck I don’t buy it for a minute. The only way a child’s teeth rot out that way by the age of 4 is if there are serious issues with that child’s diet. Genetics do not come into play without help. DNA only loads the gun–it takes something else to come along and pull the trigger. it might be a combination of bad nutrition and poor hygiene. We inherit many things from our parents and DNA is only one; we inherit eating patterns and a concept of “normal.”
  
  Report this comment
- AxelPhantom
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 1:37pm
  “Enamel and dentine defects of genetic origin are rare but are occasionally severe and may take a variety of forms and vary in their inheritance. They can occur in isolation—as amelogenesis imperfecta (defective enamel) or dentinogenesis imperfecta (defective dentine)—or as part of a disorder such as epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica or osteogenesis imperfecta. In some genetic defects of dentine, for example, newly erupted teeth may seem brownish and translucent, an appearance seen in some patients with osteogenesis imperfecta.”
  
  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1127429/
  
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- seniorcitizen
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 6:33pm
  It so nice that you seem to know exactly what this child and her parents were doing. I was born with Rickets which you don’t see much anymore and my teeth were rotten from the getgo.
  
  Report this comment
- XaviorOnassis
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 9:48pm
  @seniorcitizen And ricketts is a disease caused by MALNUTRITION. What is your point?
  
  Report this comment
- XaviorOnassis
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 9:52pm
  @axelphantom Those conditions are not only extremely rare but would not result in a 4 year old having so much rot in her mouth. the most likely culprit is bad nutrition.
  
  Report this comment
- XaviorOnassis
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 9:59pm
  @seniorcitizen Ricketts is not usually genetic, it is caused by bad nutrition (lack of vitamin D via diet and/or sunlight). There are very very few things that can result in a 4 year old having this much rot in her mouth and poor nutrition/hygiene (in combination) is the cause in almost every case.
  
  Report this comment
- AxelPhantom
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 10:14pm
  Xavior
  
  Since teeth begin to form at 8 weeks of age in utero (before many woman realize it wasn’t just stress), it also could also have been caused by a failure in the mother’s body to transfer the proper nutrients to the child. It still does not negate a genetic factor. When I get my teeth cleaned they have to numb my entire mouth. I have given birth without pain meds, recieved stitches several times withouth lidocane, and played elite level sports with broken bones, I have a rather high tolerance for pain. The dentist says he sees it a lot for some reason in people with red or stawberry blonde hair (which without the influence of the sun, I have).
  
  We are neither a product of nature or nurture alone, we are a combination of both. Could it be the parents did something less than helpful? Perhaps it was the daycare provider? Yes. But to staunchly claim that genetics has nothing to do with it is a flawed assumption.
  
  Report this comment
- XaviorOnassis
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 12:19am
  @Axel even poor nutrient transfer in utero is “poor nutrition” and thus covered by my above statement. genetic conditions effecting tooth enamel formation are ridiculously rare and so I will stand by the statement that there is no genetic disorder that could have rotted this child’s teeth in this manner. Bad parenting, maybe, bad food probably, but not bad genes. Excessive use of fluoride in children will lead to dental fluorosis and that can also in extreme cases eventually lead to accelerated tooth decay, but even that will not happen in the absence of bad choices and/or neglect on the part of the parent. Even if you brush three times a day, eating the wrong foods can be a strong contributing factor.
  
  Report this comment
- Dr Vel
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 1:05am
  XaviorOnassis “@seniorcitizen Ricketts is not usually genetic, it is caused by bad nutrition (lack of vitamin D via diet and/or sunlight).
  
  Do us a favor and stop acting like you didn’t get your medical knowledge out of a toilet.
  
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rickets
  
  “Rickets is a softening of bones in children due to deficiency or impaired metabolism of vitamin D,[1] phosphorus or calcium,[2] potentially leading to fractures and deformity.”
  
  Get that? “or impaired metabolism” Do not try to infer fault by the parents some things cannot be helped period. You can be floating in vitamin D with rickets not to mention the problem could be metabolic and related to other elements, not just a vitamin. Metabolic problems with calcium and phosphorus are quite common. Just to inform you Mr not so genius these two elements are vitally critical to the teeth being healthy and strong. My Cherokee ancestors suffered with these problems just as all down the line have to this day. Heredity all the way. If anything the parents should be carefully watching her for weak bones from here on out. She could have eaten popsicles all day for 4 years never brushing one time and decay this bad would not be the result in such a short time. This is clearly genetic related metabolic problems. No matter how carefully she cared for them. Take your judgmental soapbox and go home.
  
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SGT Rock
Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:50am
Well, my youngest went to the Dentist and he wanted to do a root canal on a baby tooth, I laughed and said you are not putting my child thru that pain for a tooth that will fall out in a few months. Next Dentist said I was right and the tooth had only a small cavity which he filled.

You have to educate yourself medically and dentally anymore, Docs are raking in the cash at your expense and pain. You are more likely to die from a Docs bad decision than be killed by a gun.

Ever ask yourself why do we pay for insurance and still have to pay so much when we go use it? My Granddaddy said Insurance is what drove up the cost of health care, he remembers when going to the Doctor did not cost so much. Then again neither did college which he says is a rip off anymore.

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- AmericanBelle
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 12:17pm
  Health insurance alone did not cause expenses to rise, Sgt. Rates would have to go up only to cover costs for billing and processing. The culprits to high rates stem from all the uninsured getting services for free….coverage for ourselves included a ‘Little extra” to cover these costs. But probably the most egregious culprit to high health care costs is the litigiousness of the people who sue and the response of juries to give HUGE payouts. Obamacare though is really going to cost us; instead of paying for services as warranted (uninsureds going to ER) we now have to FULLY INSURE each and every person who doesn’t have insurance!!!! We’re talking millions of people now being added and that means hundreds of thousands of people being employed to process the coverage and all the claims.
  
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- Chuck Stein
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 12:42pm
  There is no longer any such thing as “health insurance” — all that there is are “health plans”. Real insurance would be a high deductible, low premium policy that would be there for some sort of huge health need.
  
  Report this comment
- Gigi42
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 1:07pm
  Insurance is part of why healthcare charges are high. My daughter, who doesn’t have health insurance pays cash and gets her care at half price. It costs extra to pay for that lady to sit in the office and deal with insurance companies all day every day.
  
  Report this comment
- drs1969
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 1:34pm
  Exactly, Sgt.
  Insurance is like pouring gasoline on a bonfire. The ‘greed’ gets fed by the free money.
  
  Report this comment
jman-6
Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:49am
Glad to see a “Good Samaritan” dentist offer to change them to white veneers free of charge. He could never buy the kind support he will receive from this good deed! Bravo!

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- kilwil888
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 1:14pm
  Agreed, JMAN-6!! Paying it forward!!
  
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rockymtngal
Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:46am
If a child’s teeth are rotten, crowns are necessary. A “before picture” would help the public understand what was necessary and what wasn’t. Don’t judge until you know the rest of the story.

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- jlancecombs
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 12:18pm
  agreed
  
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cdcats8
Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:45am
Mom is just looking for a huge cash pay out from the dentist. Lots of children with poor dentition get these treatments daily. They probably didn’t have money for dental work or the mom is not responsible making sure her kid did dental care. Yes, her teeth will come in again but this is preventive care so she can eat. Another “entitled” wanting more. She wasn’t going to come out with a Miss America smile at this age. I am so tired of people saying it is someone else’s fault. Take responsibility people!

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ellietoo
Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:44am
There are dentists that will not allow the parent in the room while they work on the child. I don’t think that is advisable considering the possible results. I hope that parent did not pay for what the dentist did to her child.

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grimmster
Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:39am
Somethings wrong with this story.At 4 years old, this child would have no permanent teeth.Since she is missing teeth, the dentist either pulled them, ormore likely she is old than 4.permanent do not start coming in, until age 6……

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- Diane TX
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 6:20pm
  That’s not true for some families. In my family we get our baby teeth early, and adult teeth at five years old. Also, some of us have a condition where the enamel isn’t hard enough, and has to be sealed.
  
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BetterDay
Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:37am
I believe it’s about the money. I suspect that quite a few medical professionals will and are doing “no harm” procedures just for the income. Times are hard, morals are low.

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- welovetruth
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:50am
  I have heard of this happening before. Children on medicaid were victims of this horrific action.
  
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- Creativethinker
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 2:29pm
  This was just to make money for the dentist, why would you put toxic mercury filled silver in a 4 years old mouth?Thank God another dentist is going to remove them. Hopefully the effects of the mercury leaking into her system will be stopped. I think the mother should get a big settlement from that dentist.
  
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TX_45_ACP
Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:34am
LESSON LEARNED: always sit with your child at the dentist. If they dentist does not allow this, take your business elsewhere. Many parents have learned this the hard way.

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Mapache
Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:33am
Hmmm, Where was mom when the kids teeth were deteriorating? Now the girl can compete in “Honey Fu Bu, The Hood Version”

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3monkeysmomma
Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:33am
I am suspicious of my dentist as well. She keeps telling me I need thousands of dollars of work and my teeth look and feel fine. Don’t trust these people!

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hi
Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:31am
She allowed her daughter’s teeth to rot out and now she blames the dentist. She should show a picture of her kid with black teeth to begin with. The silver ones are an improvement.

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Rowgue
Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:29am
Why would anybody put caps on baby teeth that are going to fall out anyway. This whole story is stupid.

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Gonzo
Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:29am
Her dad was in a few Bond movies years ago.

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karencole
Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:27am
I don’t get this at all….where the hell was the mom? When my kids were this age, I went into the dentist room with my kids! Held their hand. Unless this kids teeth were rotting out of her head, and the mother doesn’t want to disclose that…why in the hell would ever tooth be done? Not to mention this must have cost a pretty penny…did she pay?

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- HotFixIt
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:56am
  This procedure was most likeley done under anesthesia in a regular surgery center and I would take bets this is a medicaid case where mom did not pay a penny. These types of severe cases usually done in a surgical setting.. parents are not present. The doctor is at fault for not preparing the parent for what to expect but the parent is also at fault for not taking care of this child in the first place and allowing her teeth to get into this terrible shape to require such a drastic repair. It is necessary to allow her to continue to eat, speak and maintain the proper shape of her bones and face until the adult teeth begin to come in.
  
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biohazard23
Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:26am
How the hell do you let your kid’s teeth get so bad that a full mouth of caps is needed?? Holy crap…

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- raabhimself
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:52am
  Some people have bad teeth in their genes. I am hearing alot of blame on the Mom for her childs teeth getting that bad, but sometimes people just have naturally bad teeth, some peoples teeth structure can have micro-cavities allowing all sort of bacteria to get in and basically rot the teeth from the inside out. No matter how much care they take of their teeth they get cavities (I have personally known someone with this disorder). The mom should be held just as liable for not overseeing her child at the dentist, and the denist should not have gone full metal jacket on her teeth.
  
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- biohazard23
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 12:14pm
  I understand that, but jeez… Genetics may play a part here, but Mom should have been far more vigilant about her child’s teeth, especially if mom and/or dad has a known history of dental disease. Plus, she should have been present during the procedure. There’s really no excuse for this.
  
  My children have always practiced good dental hygiene. It was something I started with them as soon as they got their very first tooth. They used kids’ mouthwash as soon as they were able to as well. Heck, for a while there, I couldn’t get them to stop brushing their teeth. They now have beautiful smiles. :) It’s all just part of being a parent.
  
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eat-more-bacon-USA
Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:26am
Uh, why was the mother not in the room with her 4 YEAR OLD when this procedure was being done?

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huey6367
Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:23am
Oh, to be a chid again.

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blanco5
Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:22am
A dentist once told me that my son had 8 cavities. Knowing that was wrong, I went to get another opinion and he had ZERO. I don’t trust doctors or dentists. On the upside, she looks like she’s from mexico now!

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gyro
Posted on January 17, 2013 at 11:20am
this story seems wrong

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- GuruMeditation
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 12:10pm
  It is.
  
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- whatthecrazy
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 12:12pm
  this
  
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- Pontiaku
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 1:51pm
  1st, stop allowing children to have sugar all day every day.
  2nd, teach them to brush after eating!
  3rd, this dentist could have possibly used “fluoride varnish” but I guess he couldn’t have billed as much for that…
  
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- Welcome Black Carter
  Posted on January 17, 2013 at 10:03pm
  This story is made up. If you have ever had a root canal or a cap, it does not get done in one visit. A child that age would not posible be able to stand that much work being done. No way the mother did not know the extent of the work or the cost.
  
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- really.truly
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 4:53pm
  @ welcome — i’ve had one root canal and you’re right, it was a multi-day process… but when i’m son had a cavity in a back molar, they capped it that same day. it’s kind of a “mini root canal.” It was a one day process that took about an hour. His dentist told me that the reason they capped the molar was because it’s one of the last that kids lose, so it’s more likely to break since it would get brittle over time.
  
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