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Preparing
your child for their treatment
You may
discuss the positive aspects of dentistry with your child,
but avoid fear-provoking words such as hurt, drill,
pull, shot or needle. We use words such as sleepy
water to numb the area, special brush for
drill, and wiggle for pull. Avoid statements like
the dentist wont hurt you, but rather state,
the dentist will be very gentle while working.
At the time of the visit, we will prepare your child by explaining
and showing them what will be done. Parents should try to
appear relaxed and at ease. Anxiety on your part will be sensed
by your child. *A parent or legal guardian must accompany
your child at every operative appointment*
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Post
Op Instructions
Fracture/Filling
in a front tooth -
A composite
(white filling) material has been used to repair your child's
tooth because of a fracture or decay. By using a build-up
technique or a crown form, the material sets up (dries) completely
by using a special light. Your child may eat and drink right
away. Even though the material is completely set up, it will
never be as strong as the natural tooth. Your child will need
to be cautious of eating any foods that are a "stick"
form (carrot sticks, pretzel sticks, celery sticks, candy
canes, etc.) These foods can still be eaten, but cut them
thinly and/or bite them using the back teeth. No direct force
should be put on the tooth that has been repaired. If local
anesthesia was used, please refer to additional instructions.
Stainless
steel crown -
A stainless
steel crown has been placed over your child's primary (baby)
tooth. The crown will stay on the tooth permanently until
that tooth falls out. Your child should avoid eating any sticky
foods such as gummy candy, fruit roll-ups, bubble gum, caramels,
etc. If local anesthesia was used, please refer to additional
instructions.
Restorations (fillings) -
Composite (white filling) - the composite (white filling)
material used is set up completely with the blue light. Your
child may eat and drink normally right away (unless local
anesthesia was used, then please refer to additional instructions).
Amalgam
(silver filling) - the amalgam (silver filling) material
used is set up right away. It will be completely set in about
an hour. Your child may eat soft foods until the material
is completely set (unless local anesthesia was used, then
please refer to additional instructions).
Extraction -
If your
child had a tooth extracted today, here are some simple instructions
to help them feel better.
Diet:
For the first day or two, your child should eat only soft
foods. After this initial clotting phase, there are no eating
restrictions. During this time, your child should not use
a straw, spit or smoke. They should not eat anything that
crumbles, such as crackers, chips or dry cereals. Also avoid
hot, spicy, salty or acidic foods for several days. It is
important that your child maintains adequate fluid intake.
Bleeding
control: Bleeding was well controlled at the appointment.
You will be given gauze which you should maintain firm pressure
by biting on it for approximately one hour. It may be necessary
to replace the gauze after 15 to 30 minutes. If your child
does not bite the gauze, hold it in place for them. Minimal
oozing from the extraction site is normal. If excessive bleeding
continues, contact the office.
Pain
control: Usually there will be little or no pain. If your
child complains of pain, we recommend the appropriate child's
dose of Tylenol or Advil. Aspirin should be avoided as it
can prolong bleeding. Keep in mind that it may take an hour
or so to take effect. If it is still painful, call the office.
Oral
Hygiene: A clean mouth heals much better and much faster.
Be sure that you and/or your child maintains routine daily
brushing. You may wish to avoid brushing the extraction site
for a day or two.
Activity:
Since increased activity may lead to increased bleeding, we
recommend your child take it easy for the day of the extraction
and the day following.
Anesthesia
warning: Since local anesthesia was used, your child's
lip, tongue and cheek may be numb for several hours. This
effect will wear off, but while it's "asleep" it
may feel funny and your child may play with it or bite it
and not feel it until the area "wakes up." Be aware
of the potential problem so that you can prevent it. Also,
be extra careful to keep the diet soft before the anesthesia
wears off.
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Behavior
Management Methods
Because
every child is different, we have a wide range of choices
to help a child complete needed dental treatment. We will
make a recommendation of behavior management methods for your
child based upon your child's health history, special health
needs, dental needs, type of treatment required, emotional
and intellectual development, and your parental preferences.
The three
main goals of behavior management are first to help a child
feel relaxed and confident; second to guide a child in coping
with dental treatment; and third to complete dental treatment
as quickly and safely as possible.
To be
a well-informed parent, you should know the choices available
to help your child during dental treatment. Working together,
we can select the best treatment methods to make your child's
visit safe and comfortable.
Tell-Show-Do:
Our pediatric team explains the treatment in words just right
for your child's age and level of understanding, shows the
child the treatment in a simplified manner, and then does
the treatment.
Positive
Reinforcement: Our team will praise your child for any
behavior that helps with the treatment. Every child does something
right during a dental visit.
Voice
Control: The dental team changes voice tone or volume
to calm a child or get a child's attention. Typically, we
speak in a soft, controlled tone and repeat messages as necessary.
Physical
Restraint: This may include asking the parent to hold
the child on his/her lap, holding the child's hands. Restraint
is only recommended for children who are very young or have
difficulty remembering the importance of keeping their hands
away from the dental instruments. Used only after alternative
approaches have been considered, this approach is sometimes
necessary to protect your child from the instruments required
for dental treatment.
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