Restorative Visits
Our doctors are trained and experienced in methods to help children feel comfortable with dental treatment. Separation anxiety is not uncommon in children, so please try not to be concerned if your child exhibits some negative behavior. This is normal and will soon diminish. Studies show that most children over age 3 react more positively when permitted to experience the dental visit on their own and in an environment like ours, designed for children.
Preschoolers should be seen in the morning when they are fresher, allowing us to work more slowly and put the child at ease. School children with a lot of work to be done are seen in the morning for the same reason.
Dental appointments are an excused absence but missing school can be minimized with regular care.
If your child is diagnosed with a cavity, we may recommend local anesthetic, nitrous oxide ("laughing gas"), oral sedation, or IV sedation.
Care of the Mouth After Local Anesthetic
If the procedure was done in the lower jaw, the tongue, teeth, lip, and surrounding tissue will be numb or asleep. If it was done in the upper jaw, the lip and surrounding tissue will be numb or asleep.
Children often don't understand the effects of local anesthesia and might chew, scratch, suck, or play with the numb lip, tongue or cheek. These reactions can cause minor irritation or they can be severe enough to cause swelling and abrasions to the tissue.
Monitor your child closely for about two hours following the appointment, and keep your child on a liquid or soft diet until the anesthetic has worn off. Please do not hesitate to call our office with any questions.