Visiting the dentist sometimes causes anxiety in young children. While taking your children to a dentist that specializes in taking care of kids’ teeth may be enough to make them comfortable, there are other tools a pediatric dentist can use to ease your child’s anxiety and make their experience with the dentist more enjoyable.
Pedatric dentists in Clifton Park NY are skililed at working with anxious young children. They know how to talk to kids in a way that will help them feel comfortable. The dentist may take extra time with your child to explain what they are doing so your child is not caught off guard by a strange sound or feeling in their mouth. Pediatric dentists often allow children to touch the instruments so they are familiar with them before the dentist uses them.
Your child’s dentist may also use distraction methods such as movies in the examination or procedure room. With you child’s attention occupied by a video, it may be easier for the dentist to clean their teeth or fill a cavity. Some children are not receptive to these methods, though so dentists have additional tools to help very anxious children sit still through dental procedures.
Nitrous oxide is a safe gas that can relax your child and make painful procedures tolerable. Pediatric dentist in Clifton Park NY use only a small amount of nitrous oxide for routine procedures. Anxious children who are treated with nitrous oxide are typically able to watch a movie in the exam room while the dentist performs their procedure.
Older children who are very anxious may be given a prescription medication to calm them before their appointment. The medication does not put them to sleep but makes them less afraid of having a dental procedure done so they are able to sit calmly while the dentist corrects their problem. Nitrous oxide with Atarax is very effective for anxious children who need dental work. Parents may also be comforted knowing that their child is not feeling anxiety in the dental chair.
By choosing Capital District Pediatric Dentistry, your child will have access to several different pain management methods. The dentist will work with you and your child to determine the best option for your situation.
