Dear Lactnet,
    About the recent dental issues........I concur w/ Dr. Newman and Pat G.
that removal of amalgam restorations should not prohibit breastfeeding.  High
powered scavenger vacuums and rubber dams are employed to protect everyone
(the dentist and assistant included).  The only time I was concerned was back
in the days where I used to squeeze the mercury and amalgam pellet with
gloveless hands in 70's in a cheesecloth!
    As for the sedation w/ pulpotomy.......if the injury extended into the
pulp, the tooth will usually discolor and can resorb the root and can cause a
slow systemic infection that causes a fistula well above the maxillary ridge.
The permanent incisor will not erupt until approx. age 5-7.   For a toddler,
a pedodontist in the US typically uses a dose of chloral hydrate and/ or
nitrous oxide.  This minimizes the pain of the local anesthetic, which is
still necessary.  My daughter had one at age 3 and the worst part was just
getting her to lie down.  The pulps of baby incisors are large and
vulnerable.  A follow-up for an acrylic filling or polycarb crown is often
necessary.  Ballpark $150-250 easily.
My 2 cents,

Jan Ellen Brown IBCLC and still an RDH (registered dental hygienist,
pedodontics)
Charlotte, NC USA

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