If you have a child with special needs, planning an appointment with a pediatric dentist might seem like a daunting task. However, pediatric dentists can help a child feel comfortable and safe at their appointment. They often employ multiple strategies to help special needs children get the most out of each appointment. These dentists are passionate about keeping your child’s mouth healthy while keeping your child’s comfort in mind.
Stressors in the dental office
Each child is unique, and the same relaxation techniques do not work for everyone. With careful consultation with the dentist, the best plan for each child can be made. While some children are fearful of needles or pain, others may only be afraid of the loud noises or bright lights. When the root of a child’s fear is found, it is easier for the dentist and staff to manage those fears.
Fear of new people
For children with special needs, strangers can be overwhelming. Add into the mix a handful of strangers trying to put their hands in your child’s mouth, and it can be a recipe for disaster. It is important that a child feels safe and at ease around the dentists and their staff before any treatment is attempted. Some offices offer a consultation visit where a child can be introduced to the team and the tools. In this way, children can be comforted by familiar faces on upcoming visits.
Fear of loud noises
Dental offices come with a full set of instruments that make loud and often frightening noises for children. Children with special needs may be especially sensitive to these sounds. A pediatric dentist can help distract the child from scary noises by providing headphones to listen to cheerful music or to watch a fun movie. This blocks out some of the scary sounds of a dental office. A video can also keep your child’s mind occupied with other non-threatening things.
Fear of needles
Many dental patients are afraid of needles and injections in the mouth. For special needs children, this can be an overwhelming fear that can cause a barrier to treatment. The dentist can help overcome this fear by not allowing the child to see the needle or by encasing it in a syringe that is shaped like an animal. This makes the object less intimidating for the child. With topical anesthetics and sedation measures, the feeling from any injections can be less painful as well.
A pediatric dentist wants the best for your child
Taking your child with special needs to the pediatric dentist does not have to be a stressful experience for either of you. With proper stress-relieving techniques, your child may even look forward to their next dental appointment. With a friendly staff that wants to give your child the healthy smile they deserve, you can find a dental office that feels safe and rewarding.
Call our office to learn more about our pediatric dentistry services. You can schedule a consultation for your child to meet our staff.
Request an appointment here: https://novapedsdentistry.com or call Nova Pediatric Dentistry at (201) 812-2952 for an appointment in our Dumont office.
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