When we tell a parent that their child needs a dental procedure (such as a filling or an extraction), this typically brings on anxiety for both the parent and the child. Parents often have a lot of questions, but children usually ask just one question – “is it going to hurt?” Pain thresholds are entirely individual, and since children sometimes confuse different sensations during treatment as being painful, we typically address that question with the assurance that we will give their tooth enough “sleepy juice” to keep them comfortable (if that is applicable to the procedure).
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO
Maintain a calm composure in front of your child: Kids are very intuitive…if they sense you are anxious, that anxiety will transfer over to your child. When you arrive at the office, please refrain from using phrases such as, "he's a little nervous, I'm nervous," etc., as this almost always heightens any anxiety the child already has.
Talk to us privately: If you have questions, you may want to speak to us privately first. This is a good time to ask questions about the procedure, whether a local anesthetic (Novocaine) will be needed, and how you might expect your child to feel after the procedure.
Along those same lines, with good intentions, parents often will assure their children that "it will not hurt." Since pain thresholds are entirely individual, and children sometimes confuse different sensations during treatment as being painful, we do ask that parents avoid making that assurance. We will address this during the procedure if necessary.
If your child inquires as to how the procedure will be done, we ask that you do not attempt to explain, since your explanation may not align with the procedure. You can, however, assure them that we will prepare them for each step as we go along. This is always done in an age-appropriate manner that children can understand.
Timing is everything: Young children don’t have a good concept of time. If there will be more than a few days before you come back, you may want to defer conversations about the procedure to the day or two just right before the appointment. Discussing it prior to that time could lead to increased anxiety for your child.
WHAT WE WILL DO
We will allow your child to bring a favorite toy or blanket so they can feel as comfortable as possible. Older children can bring headphones to listen to their own music, if desired.
We will talk openly and honestly in an age-appropriate manner about the procedure and will explain everything as we go along. We will let your child know about sounds they might hear or sensations they may feel, including the sensation of numbness, if applicable.
The one thing we will not do is make your child feel guilty if the treatment is due to a cavity! We will, however, discuss ways that you and your child can prevent future ones from forming.
ARE PARENTS ALLOWED IN THE ROOM?
Aside from the rooms being too small to accommodate more than the patient, staff, and equipment, we have found that children do better without mom or dad in the room. That said, there are times we may ask a parent to stay in the room. If this is the case, we kindly ask that you follow our lead with the positive language we use.
In addition, to respect the privacy of your child and any other patients who may be in the office, we do not allow photos or video recording of treatment when it is in progress. Above it all, please be assured that we will do everything we can to be sure your child is comfortable.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at (781) 942-2020 or by sending a message through the Contact section of our website.
*DISCLAIMER: The photo associated with this post is a licensed stock photo. Child pictured is not a patient of Kallen K. Hull, DMD PC*