THE OPERATIVE VISIT
Despite the care a patient takes to maintain good dental health, a baby tooth that develops a cavity can often necessitate a visit to see Dr. Joe and his assistant. Though baby teeth will eventually be replaced by permanent teeth, posterior baby teeth will remain in a child’s mouth to around age twelve. Posterior baby teeth play a unique role in the development of permanent dentition by acting as spacers until the new adult teeth erupt and displace them. If those teeth are compromised and space is lost, orthodontic issues can result.
When your child needs operative treatment, we ask that you please leave the explanations of the dental procedure to our team so we can gain your child’s trust. We approach the operative appointment in a fun and playful manner using kid-friendly terms to make it easy to understand. Our team will prepare each child by showing them what we use and why, describing all the steps before and during each procedure so there are no surprises, and they can follow how their treatment is progressing.
Special considerations when treating children:
1. Time is distorted for a child. Fifteen minutes to a child can feel like an eternity. The doctor will work as fast as possible to keep the child from losing patience or starting to panic.
2. It can be difficult for children to sit still. The child must stay still so the doctor can keep them safe, avoid starting the procedure over, and ultimately do good work.
3. Children often mistake pressure for pain. They may cry, but they are not hurt. Our doctors have the experience to determine if a child is hurting.
4. Sometimes children do not like how their lip feels when numb. This can cause good patients to react badly to treatment. We try to prepare them as much as possible for the feeling.
5. The area of treatment is very small. The doctor is focused on a 10-millimeter area when treating baby teeth. We do not want to distract the doctor or assistant when they are using sharp instruments.
6. Once the doctor begins, the treatment must be completed. We cannot leave a hole in a tooth. If your child loses control, be prepared to restrain with the use of a papoose wrap.
7. Fear and anxiety can cause irrational behavior. Be aware the doctor will use voice control to get a child’s attention if they begin to panic or move erratically.
8. If a child has a total meltdown, we cannot pause for breaks. We understand that it is difficult to watch your child cry, scream or struggle, but it would be difficult to get the child to lie back again once they are free.
9. Children can be manipulative. Very strong-willed children will use phrases such as “ow, ow”, “it hurts”, “let me up”, “I want to go home”, I need to go to the bathroom” and other phrases to get out of treatment. The doctor may be simply curing the tooth, using cotton rolls, or only looking and using a mirror.
10. Every visit can be unpredictable. Sometimes a great first visit creates anxiety, and the second visit is more difficult. The hope is that every visit leads to understanding, experience and growth.
The Cooperative Child
- Listens to all instructions
- Remains still and does not move during treatment
- May cry and be anxious or scared, but does not impede dental treatment
- Allows nitrous oxide to take effect by breathing through the nose
The Uncooperative Child
- Refuses to get in the chair or lie back in the chair
- Is angry and/or argumentative; kicks and shakes the head during treatment
- Grabs at the doctor’s and assistant’s hands or instruments
- Screams and uses words such as “ow” and “it hurts” although the area is numb
THE TREATMENT ROOM
For each visit we will attempt to do treatment without the parent’s presence to help gain their trust. We often find that children can follow directions better without the distraction of their loved one’s present. We will kindly ask you to remain in our reception area as we bring your child in for treatment. Our team members are very good at gauging if the child will do well without a parent, and if we feel we need your assistance, we may allow you to come in as we explain the treatment process. At this point, if the child appears to be more comfortable and able to begin treatment, we may excuse you to return to the reception area.
You will need to remain in reception the duration of the visit should we need to discuss treatment. We will always get parental consent should we need to restrain or force a child because each parent has their own level of comfort on how far they want to go to complete the procedure. If there is an instance where we feel your presence may be beneficial to the visit, we will allow you to remain in the treatment room or have you return. As with other medical procedures, this is an operating room, and certain protocols need to be followed to ensure a sterile and safe environment. For you to remain present during your child's treatment, you must adhere to the following treatment room guidelines:
1. Cell phones must be put away while in the treatment room. NO pictures or videos may be taken. You can remain in reception if you need to use your phone.
2. Only one person may enter the treatment room with the child. If young siblings are also present, the parent must remain in reception. You will be asked to stay seated, and you may hold your child’s hand if you wish.
3. Be a silent partner during the procedure. You are here to observe your child’s treatment and provide moral support. Too many people talking can be confusing for children. The doctor needs to communicate one-on-one with your child and have them follow instructions.
4. Be a cheerleader, not a coach. The doctor will direct your child, so do not pull the child’s attention away from treatment by asking them questions. Any communication should be supportive and provide encouragement, avoiding words such as shot, hurt, pain or drill.
5. If your presence interferes with the Doctor/Patient relationship, you will be asked to return to reception.