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Preparing Your Child for the First Visit
Talk to your child about the visit in a
positive, matter of fact way, much as you would a trip to the grocery
store. Do not let your child know that you feel any anxiety about the
appointment. Do not discuss any negative medical experiences you or
anyone you know has had in the past. Remember, children, especially very
young children, will read your body language. Try to stay even keeled,
not too excited, or negative in your discussion.
Parents are encouraged to come into the treatment area on the first visit only. This allows you to see where your child will be treated. (Exceptions are made for patients with special needs).
If we are combining the first two visits for
your child, we ask that you remain in the reception area while we do the
cleaning and fluoride. Dr. Weaver, Dr. Stratton, or Dr. Fraser will then
give you a progress report. For the remaining appointments, the parents
will remain in the reception area. We have found, and studies
substantiate this, that children tend to do better in the dental situation
without their parents present. We ask that you allow your child to
accompany our staff through the dental experience. We are all highly
experienced in helping children overcome anxiety. Separation anxiety is
not uncommon in children, so please try not to be concerned if your child
exhibits negative behavior. This is normal and will soon diminish.
Studies and experience have shown that most children over the age of 3
react more positively when permitted to experience the dental visit on
their own and in an environment designed for children. This allows the
child to concentrate solely on what the dentist says. Likewise, it allows
the dentist to concentrate only on your child.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
and the American Dental Association recommend that a visit to the dentist
should be scheduled by the child’s first birthday. This will give the
pediatric dentist an opportunity to detect any problems and treat early,
as necessary, and hopefully give advice to prevent future problems. It is
very important that the first visit be easy so that your child can
gradually build up his confidence in coming to our office. It is at this
visit that we begin to establish a rapport with your child. It is of equal
importance, however, that we do accomplish something. We will examine
your child’s teeth and gums to detect decay or any other problems in the
mouth. This is also the time when your child’s bite, proper alignment of
jaws, and spacing for permanent teeth will be evaluated. Only after a
complete examination are we in a position to form a comprehensive
treatment plan for your child.
As on the first visit, the second visit is also relatively quick and easy. This is important in building your child’s confidence. At this visit we will discuss proper nutrition, fluoride supplementation, and oral hygiene techniques with both you and your child. Your child will also receive his/her cleaning, fluoride treatment and x-rays, if indicated, at this visit. For children who are not fearful, we will usually combine the first two visits (examination, cleaning, fluoride treatment, necessary x-rays, and oral hygiene instructions) at the initial visit.
The tentative treatment
plan will be presented to the parent at this second visit. This allows
time for a thorough evaluation of x-rays and examination data. Exceptions
to this may be extremely simple treatment plans, in which case they may be
discussed at the first visit.
Many times children who visit the dentist for the first time have decayed primary teeth (commonly called baby teeth). We treat decayed teeth with fillings for smaller cavities or caps for larger cavities that will not hold fillings. If the decay is deep and goes into the nerve of the tooth, we still can often save the tooth with a nerve treatment (pulpotomy).
We never want to extract a primary tooth
unless it is absolutely necessary. Extraction will cause loss of chewing
ability and can often make braces a necessity later in life. Many primary
teeth normally remain in the child’s mouth until he/she is 12 or 13 years
of age, and this is what we want to happen.
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© Copyright 2002-2006
Gerald Weaver, D.M.D.
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