We see a lot of kids in our practice and parents like to know what we do to try and create a positive experience for young patients. Our goal is to help children develop proper oral hygiene and oral care habits. This includes positive experiences at the dental office so that they feel comfortable for life.
Right from the beginning we’ll show them that coming to the dentist can be fun. Kids love to learn, explore and ask questions. By allowing them to explore the dental environment and how we work with them at their own pace, much of the fear and apprehension simply never develops. When this happens, they start to look forward to their regular hygiene appointments. Not only do the appointments become easy and routine for them, but they are very receptive to what they can do at home to keep their teeth healthy.
Even in the healthiest of mouths, it is possible that a cavity or other dental concern can develop. Dr. Forman and the Forman Dental Care team are even more focused on making sure that when dental work is necessary, the end result is a happy child who maintains their positive feeling toward the dental office. We’ll start off with the smallest filling first to show them how easy it is. Many early cavities can even be filled without the need for local anesthetic. When local anesthetic is necessary, we tell them stories and get them relaxed at the beginning. Most children don’t even know they received the freezing until they feel the sensation in their lip. Our favourite words to hear at the end of an appointment are, “that was easier than I thought”. As your child jumps out of the chair, a final high-five from the dentist sends them on their way.
At times, it’s necessary to fix several cavities at the same time or remove a baby tooth. For some children this can be simple, but for others it causes anxiety. Our goal is always the same, we want to get the treatment complete as successfully as possible and maintain their positive outlook. Some of the techniques we use are laughing gas and mild sedation. In certain cases it is necessary to refer to our team of pediatric specialists to make sure the positive experience continues.
The specialist environment for kids is geared totally for them and the office is completely kid-friendly. This often reduces anxiety so that laughing gas or sedation isn’t even necessary. Our specialists work with anesthetists and can complete work on your child while they’re asleep if necessary. All of this is done so that a fear of the dentist never develops and that the best possible treatment is provided to your child. If a referral to our specialist is necessary, we work closely to ensure your child receives the highest standard of care.
