A tooth extraction can be a nerve-wracking experience for anyone, adult or child. If your child’s dentist has advised they have one or multiple teeth extracted, I recommend talking with and preparing your child for this procedure beforehand. If you’re unsure how to explain it or prepare them, I have some tips to help.
How to Prepare your child.
This article aims to guide you on 1) how to prepare your child before the visit 2) What to do while at the dentist 3) How to prepare your child if he is still anxious at the dental office. 4) and finally, what advice to expect after the extraction. If your child is still uncooperative after all these steps, your dentist may recommend pharmacological means such as sedation, which we will not discuss. By which time, you will be at your dentist’s office, and you can discuss it with them.
SO HERE WE GO!
One of the most important parts about preparing your child for a tooth extraction is being open and honest about what is going to happen to them.
The more knowledgeable and understanding they are of the procedure, the less frightened they will be when the time comes. You should also explain to them the reason for the extraction and why it is necessary to keep their smile healthy.
As a parent, it’s your job to make your child feel safe–but it’s also your job to keep them healthy. It’s very common for children to feel nervous about going to the dentist. It’s normal for children to be uncomfortable with strangers poking around the inside of their mouth while they lay still on a chair.
- Come in early
Bring your child into the dental office before the appointment. The early visit allows them to become more familiar with the office and the staff, and makes the appointment less scary. The visit does not have to be long, but just enough time for your child to like their dentists in the future.
- Explain what will happen during the dental visit
Before your child’s appointment, take time to sit down with them and explain what a dental exam is. Discuss and explain what the doctors will say and so, as well as what they expect of them as a patient.
This discussion will eliminate any mystery about the appointment and put nerves at ease. If you’re not sure what exactly your child will experience at their exam, feel free to reach out to your dentist and they will tell you what you need to know.
Here is your Brief Guideline of what to expect from that discussion.
- Review of Medical and Dental History
Your dental health affects your overall health, so the dentist takes the time to discuss your child’s previous medical history in order to determine the best course of action. Now is the time to let your dentist know of any previous and/or current medical conditions or concerns.
- Teeth and Gums Examination
Before the dentist performs an extraction, they will give your child a gentle, thorough examination. They will inspect the teeth and gums to identify any potential problems, and ensure that things are progressing normally for their age. X-rays may be given to further examine tooth and jaw structure.
- Time for Treatment
After the exam is given and your child’s dental needs are better understood, they will proceed with a cleaning and tooth extraction. Your dentist will explain the tools used to ease any anxiety your little one may have. Child friendly terminology that is fun and exciting will be used, like (Teeth Worm, Sunlight, Sleeping juice, Batman tooth, etc.)
- Discussion
After the extraction is complete, your hygienist and pediatric dentist will give you detailed instructions and explanations for continued care.
Even with the right preparation, your child may still face dental anxiety once they get in the chair at the pediatric dentist’s office. So while at the dental office ensure you do these.
- Positive Reinforcements
Your child is more likely to stay calm during the procedure if they know there’s a reward for waiting for them after. Dinner at their favorite restaurant, a trip to Damodar City, or a dessert of their choice are great examples of positive reinforcement. If your child is a fan of the tooth fairy, remind them how they are in for a reward after the procedure.
- Videos to calm your child about the dentist
If your child is nervous about visiting the dentist’s office, there are a ton of great resources online to help ease their dental anxiety. Videos from popular kids shows like Daniel Tiger, Peppa Pig, Finny the Shark, and more! There are also a lot of exceptional children’s books that can help prepare them for a trip to the dentist.
- Let your child know about Post Extraction Care
Ensure your child understands what needs to be done to care for the extracted tooth by setting clear expectations with your dentist during the extraction. With this preparation, there will be no surprises, such as cleaning, not using straws, eating soft foods, or doing saltwater rinses.
At this point, if your child is still uncooperative, your dentist will discuss pharmacological methods to deal with anxiety. The importance of understanding a patient’s medical history and medication becomes apparent at this point. After your dentist has cleared you for sedation, it’s time to have the tooth extracted, with your consent.
My experience however, is that when Deep Sedation or General Anesthesia is to be done, an anesthetist should do it. While the dentist is simply there to pull the tooth.
