Sedation Dentistry in Kansas City, MO
Anyone can fear going to the dentist, especially children. Smaller children usually fear the unknown when going to see a doctor or dentist because they are dealing with strangers in a place that may seem scary to them. However, with preparation, your child can feel confident when arriving for their dental appointments. Here are some tips to calm children when visiting the dentist.
Start Young
To alleviate concerns about your child fearing the dentist, start taking them for check-ups when their teeth start erupting or by the time they are one year old. By taking them to the same practice for routine check-ups and dental emergencies, the child will be familiar with the dentist and hygienists that work with them.
Make Appointments After Nap-time
The best time to make appointments for your child is after they’ve had their morning or afternoon nap. Otherwise, they could get cranky due to being tired. Also, depending on the reason for the appointment, don’t feed him or her beforehand. If something upsets their stomach, they could get sick, which could trigger complications because the dentist is working in their mouth.
Leave the Explanations to the Dental Staff
When you’re bringing a child into our facility, Smile Palace in Kansas City, MO, one of our best dentists will help them relax while they are in the chair. They will explain everything they do in terms that a child can understand so that they know what is happening. Using children’s terminology can take the mystery away from the procedure, which can alleviate a child’s fear.
Reassure Them During Procedure
Unless your child is given general anesthesia at an appointment, they may be drowsy but conscious when the dentist is working on their teeth. You can reassure them that everything is okay to allay their fears but try to stay out of the doctor’s way. You can read to them or let them use headphones with their favorite book recorded on a device, so they stay relaxed while the dentist and hygienist are working.
Sedation dentistry is safe for most children having dental work. Our dentists in Kansas City, MO have experience with sedating children when performing dental procedures. By using these tips, the appointment should go smoothly.
