>We are facing quite an ordeal with sedation and strapping down to a papoose
>board and nitrous oxide for my son and I am scared to death about the
>traumatic effect.  I certainly don.t want to make things worse by continuing
>the decay, but I'm not ready to give up nursing, even at night without a
>fight.

There are other ways to approach this ordeal that are more humane and
respectful of long-term psychological effects. There was another similar
question this week.  I hope someone experienced in this topic will respond.
My experience is personal and is 20+ years old, but I have talked with
parents in the last few years who have found pediatric dentists who have a
more holistic approach to their work, considering the whole child.

I'll add that my daughter who had serious caries, continued to do so long
after she was weaned.  And I'm glad I didn't wean her thinking the problem
would go away.

Pat Gima,IBCLC
Milwaukee