Atlantic Pediatric Dentistry, located in Little Silver, NJ, serves infants, children, teens and children with special health care needs. Dr. Safari and Guerrasio have over 35 years of combined experience, and Dr. Guerrasio is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Guerrasio is the current president of the Monmouth-Ocean County Dental Society, and Dr. Safari is a past-president and active board of trustee member, and have received the award of NJ Top Dentist.
We have a Cavity…Now What?
Dental appointments can be stressful for children, especially when they need a dental filling. However, with the right approach, you can be their biggest ally in the dental office. Here are some effective tips and tricks to make the appointment go as smoothly as possible:
1. Prepare, but don’t overprepare.
It’s important to talk to your child about an upcoming restorative appointment, but don’t do it too far ahead of time to avoid unnecessary worry. Keep the conversation simple and positive, without oversharing on what you think may be done. Pediatric dentists use a variety of methods to treat decay, and only the dentist truly knows which treatment option is best in this situation.
2. Keep Calm and Positive.
Children are excellent at picking up on their parents’ emotions. If you stay calm and confident during the visit, your child will be more likely to mirror those feelings. Try to avoid showing your own dental anxiety, and if necessary, have someone else bring them or sit in the waiting room while the procedure is being done. Only positive vibes in the treatment room definitely have a big impact on the appointment’s success.
3. Use Distraction Techniques.
Distractions can be an excellent way to move through a filling appointment. Many offices have movies and TV programs that a child can watch or music that they can listen to. You can also bring your own device and ask if the child can listen with headphones to block out the noises associated with the dental office.
4. Reassurance is best.
Be your child’s biggest cheerleader during this appointment. Keep reassuring them that they are doing great with calm and encouraging words and continue this even after the appointment has ended. Children may be experiencing numbness, or strange tastes/feelings for the first time. Your words matter and they are looking to you to assure them that they are going to be okay.
5. Offer Comfort After the Appointment.
Once the procedure has ended, be sure to praise them for their cooperation and bravery. A small toy or sticker (often given by the dental team) is appropriate for their great behavior.
6. Choose a Pediatric Dentist/=
Pediatric dentists are dentists that go on to receive additional training to work with children. Their practices are geared toward creating a safe and comfortable environment where children are given the best chance of success in achieving their dental goals. With the advent of Laser dentistry and digital radiography, dental visits have become much easier and can be shot free! Their team works together to explain things in a way that children can understand, and have offices that are fun and welcoming to even the most hesitant patients!
