There are many questions in regards to a child who needs dental work. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions that we get in our office, here at Rosewood Dental.

1.) WHY SHOULD WE FIX BABY TEETH? THEY ARE GOING TO FALL OUT ANYWAY, RIGHT?

     There are several reasons to fix primary (baby) teeth:

* To avoid possible damage to developing permanent (adult) teeth

* They help guide eruption of permanent teeth

* They help children chew and speak properly

* Cavities that are allowed to continue to grow may cause your child to have a toothache or a harmful infection

* The infectious bacteria can travel around and may harm other teeth

2.) WILL IT HURT MY CHILD TO GET THE FILLING?

     Your child’s tooth will be numbed before the procedure to avoid any discomfort. Please try NOT to mention the word “hurt” to them prior to the appointment. This will only put ideas in their head that it may/will be painful. It is easy for us to subconsciously project our own fears onto our children. We want to be sure the visit is a positive one! 

3.) WILL THEY BE GETTING A SHOT?

We will describe all procedures to your child in simple, non-threatening terms (i.e sleepy jelly, sleepy juice). We ask that you please NOT tell your child that they are “getting a shot”. Most children do not realize that the slight pinch they feel is an injection. We just tell them that it is a pinch and they are okay with that. 

4.) WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE THE VISIT GO MORE SMOOTHLY?

     Make sure that your child gets a good rest the night before, and has a good breakfast/lunch (limit the amount of caffeine and sugar). Tell them about the visit, but limit the amount of detail. Explain to them that the dentist and his helper will answer all of their questions. Stress to them how important healthy teeth are, and that the dentist is there to help them keep their teeth healthy. We will show them all of the instruments and describe the sound/feel of each. Keep in mind that it is normal for your child to be fearful of the unknown, but be assured that we are trained to deal with their fear and anxiety and will put them at ease. 

5.) CAN I GO INTO THE TREATMENT ROOM WITH THEM?

The dentist will be focusing all attention on the child, and needs the child to focus all attention on him and what is being explained. It can be dangerous for the child to be looking around. Under certain circumstances, we may ask you to come back to the room to discuss something, but generally, we ask that you remain in the reception area. 

6.) WHAT ABOUT AFTER THE APPOINTMENT? ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS THAT I NEED TO KNOW?

    We will discuss aftercare with you following the visit. The most important thing for you to remember is that you have done a good thing for your child’s health. You, your child and the dentist are partners. We welcome your questions!

 

Rosewood Dental, PLC