Pediatric Dentistry Archives - Page 2 of 2

When are Restraints Appropriate with Children?

Posted on March 27, 2020 by writeradmin.

My pediatric dentist asked me to sign something saying whether or not I was okay with restraints. That freaked me out. When would you need to use restraints on a child?

Carol

Dear Carol,

I can understand how frightening that can sound to a parent. I’m pretty sure you’re picturing something completely different than what it actually is. There are two types of restraints typically used with children when it comes to dental care. The first is a mouth prop (pictured below).

Three Different Sized pediatric Mouth Props

A colleague of mine told me a story of when he did his pediatric rotation during dental school. They were doing a filling on a child, but didn’t use any type of mouth restraint. While drilling the child bit down causing the drill to go through to the pulp of the tooth. Then, the poor kid went from needing a simple filling to a pulpotomy. This is a child’s version of a root canal treatment. Had they used a prop, that would never have happened.

When Is a Pediatric Papoose Board Helpful?

A dentist, who is good at working with children, can almost always get a child to cooperate without any problem. However, there are occasions a child is so frightened they’re thrashing about making it impossible for the dentist to treat them. When this happens, especially in the cases of dental emergencies, a papoose board can be a life-saver for children.

The material is soft but holds them tightly so they feel like they’re getting a giant hug. Often, just being placed in the papoose calms them down immediately, allowing the dentist to do the necessary procedures.

This is likely what your dentist is asking about when it comes to restraints. The best dentists always work in cooperation with the parents in order to give the best care possible to their children.

I hope this puts your mind at rest. Always remember, though, you’re the mom. Follow your instincts. If something feels off to you, go somewhere else. Though, my guess is in most cases the restraints, like those above, are only used when necessary.

This blog is brought to you by Decatur, AL Dentists Drs. Drake and Wallace.

Must Children See a Pediatric Dentist?

Posted on November 3, 2018 by writeradmin.

I have a son who is getting old enough to see a dentist. Is it wrong that I hate the idea of having to go to a separate practice for my son than I go to? My time is so tight as it is and I already have to go to a separate pediatrician. I get that. But, aren’t teeth, teeth? Can’t he go to the same dentist I do?

Camille

Dear Camille,

While there is a great possibility you and your son can see the same dentist, it will depend on the dentist you see. While there are several differences between child and adult teeth, a general dentist has the training to care for your son. Then, if something unique pops up, he can refer you to a specialist.

What Type of Dentist Does Your Son Need?

The first question to ask any general dentist is whether or not they enjoy treating children. You want a dentist who enjoys them or your son will not have a good experience. It’s imperative your son’s experiences with his dentist are positive or it will set him on the wrong path with his dental care for the remainder of his life.

Most adults who avoid the dentist as adults do so because of a traumatic experience during their childhood dental care. We want to avoid this as much as possible.

Avoiding Pediatric Trauma

Something many parents overlook is taking their child to the pediatric dentist before there is a problem. It sounds like you’re on the right track and already looking at what to do for your son. I’d try to get him an appointment early, around two years old or so. This way the appointment is fun.

He gets to meet the dentist and hygienist. He gets to see all the cool tools. It’s an adventure and not frightening.

Too many parents wait until their child shows a sign something is wrong. Then, their first appointment is often a dental emergency where they need a filling. That associates the dentist with shots and pain.

This blog is brought to you by Decatur Dentists Drs. Drake and Wallace.

Why Can’t Children Get White Fillings?

Posted on July 28, 2018 by writeradmin.

I took my 5-year-old son to the dentist for the first time. It took me by surprise when our dentist said he had several cavities and needed fillings. I asked for white fillings, but he said he wants to do the old amalgam fillings on him because he said children can’t get white fillings. I really don’t want to do that. I didn’t go forward and said I’d like to take him to a children’s dentist. But, really I just wanted to see if he was telling the truth. I don’t want a mouth full of mercury in his body.

Amelia

Dear Amelia,

Some General Dentists Treat Children

There are a few things going on here. First, you should know that many children get decay, some even younger than your son. It all depends on several factors: What they put into their mouths, their genetic makeup, and how often they are taken in to see a dentist.

It’s usually recommended that you take your child in to see a pediatric dentist after their first tooth completely erupts. It’s important for their first experiences with a dentist are fun and not painful. Too many parents wait until there’s a problem and they end up taking their child to an emergency dental appointment.

White Fillings in Children

While children can get white fillings, not every dentist is able to provide them for them. The dentist needs to be not only knowledgeable in the technique for composite fillings, which is different than the amalgam filling technique, but they also need to be good with children.

First, you’ve got a child in pain. They’re also frightened. Composite fillings must be kept dry during the application process. That’s challenging for some young children. However, even the wiggliest children seem to do well with some nitrous oxide. In fact, many of them will sleep through the procedure.

What Type of Dentist Should You Seek

Look for a dentist who is either a mercury-free dentist or possibly a metal-free dentist. But that isn’t enough. You’ll either need to schedule with a full-fledged pediatric dentist or a general dentist who’s great with children. If they meet both of those criteria, then you’ll likely have a dentist who can give your son the mercury-free fillings you want.

Don’t put this off too long. The decay will spread. If it blows up into an infection, it can get serious quickly.

This blog is brought to you by Decatur, AL Dentists Drs. Drake and Wallace.