If you have every had to bring a child to the dentist that really didn’t want to go, you know the struggle is real! Whether it is fear, anxiety, or stress, the process can be very overwhelming for everyone.
This can be especially true when they need several procedures, a difficult time sitting still for a long period of time, special needs, a gag reflex, or a number of other reasons. But putting off the dental appointment just means the decay and issues only get worse.
According to the Surgeon General, childhood caries are “the single most common chronic childhood disease.” Because of age, behavior, and disease severity, children often receive moderate sedation or general anesthesia for dental treatment.
The demand for anesthesia for treatment of pediatric dental procedures is increasing, with an estimated 100 000 to 250 000 pediatric dental sedations performed annually.
When it comes to our children, we need to take all the necessary precautions, especially when it comes to sedation.
That’s why so many dental offices are partnering with Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA). Someone who is qualified/certified to administer the sedation and monitor vital signs during the procedure, for the safest and most effective form of sedation.
Blue Sky Anesthesia Associates follows the strict American Dental Association guidelines and protocols throughout the procedure. Prior to your appointment, Certified, Registered and Licensed Nurse Anesthesiologist will work closely with you to determine the best course of treatment and answer any questions.
Colgate offers a few suggestion on How to help your child deal with dental anxiety
Talk to your child about their dental procedure before the appointment. You should talk about it even if it’s a simple checkup, especially before a more significant procedure. Then, answer your child’s questions honestly. Describe the process in easy-to-understand terms and comforting language. You can search for images online of the dentist’s office, look at the dental chair, the overhead light, and some of the equipment.
You can also talk with your child about a reward they receive after their appointments, like a toy or game, so they have something to look forward to. Other ways to relieve dental anxiety in children include:
Never using dental treatment as a threat to encourage oral hygiene
Bringing a toy or comfort blanket with your child to the dental appointment
Finding stories or games about visiting the dentist
Finding a specialized dentist that trained to deal with anxious patients
