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Pediatric Dentist

Mar 31

Do most pediatric dentists have children restrained?

By Pediatric Dentist

Our family dentist relocated out of state. I had a dentist recommended to me that I really like, but she doesn’t accept children as patients. I found a pediatric dentist for my son and I was surprised that they restrained him on the first visit. He didn’t panic but he was very concerned and so was I. I don’t like the idea of having my son unnecessarily restrained. He is not afraid of going to a dental appointment. Is restraining a habit at most pediatric dentists’ offices? Thanks. Shelly

Shelly – Many pediatric dentist offices restrain children as a last resort. If you are not comfortable with having your son restrained, call the offices of several other dentists to find out whether or not they restrain children, and under what circumstances children are restrained.

Another option is to find a dental office that treats both children and adults. Some offices have pediatric dentists available. In other offices, you will find dentists who care for the needs of adults, as well as children.

In either case, schedule consultations with a few dentists to get a feel for the office environment and how you are treated by the staff. Bring your son with you to the consultations. The consultations will help you make a decision on the right dental care for your son.

This post is sponsored by Naperville Dental Associates.

Feb 26

Can a kids dentist helP? Don’t know if my nephew or the dog swallowed toothpaste.

By Pediatric Dentist

Quick question please. We have extended family living in our house. I was helping my nephew brush his teeth and the doorbell rang. I know that I shouldn’t have taken my eyes off of him. When I got back to the bathroom he had toothpaste all over his hands and the dog was licking toothpaste. The tube was about ¾ full and maybe half of that is gone. I don’t know if my nephew ate any and he is too young to talk. I asked him if he ate it and he shakes his head yes and know. We have no insurance but if I need to take him to a kids dentist office I will. What should I do? thnx  Miriam

Miriam – If your nephew is breathing okay, give him some water to drink. You can call The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) for assistance, and you need to tell them the toothpaste brand and whether or not it contains fluoride. Or, you can take your nephew to an urgent care facility or an emergency room.

A pediatric dentist will not be able to assist you in this instance. Your nephew needs medical attention. Get it quickly.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Jan 14

Kids’ dentist straps them down???

By Pediatric Dentist

I have a 3 yr old son, a 6 yr old son and an 8 yr old daughter. I am in a dilemma with the dentist’s office. I have been taking the kids to this dentist for 4 years. Late last year was our most recent appointment. As soon as my 8 yr old got in the dentist’s chair, they strapped her in. The 8 yr old mind you. We have never had any problem with her and she is not afraid of the dentist – at least she wasn’t. I hope it won’t have a bad effect on her. I asked why she was being strapped in and the hygienist said they are strapping kids in so they will be still and don’t need sedation. She added that lots of offices in the area are starting to do it.  Well, I asked her to remove the straps and I took my daughter home. Is this something that I should get used to? Am I over-reacting? – Jeannine

Jeannine – You are not over-reacting. Whenever you or your children are uncomfortable in the dentist’s office, you should make it known and if necessary, leave—as you did.

You are able to find a dentist for your children who will welcome you and make you and your children feel comfortable. If your children have bad experiences at a dental office, they will hate going to the dental appointments as adults.

If you decide to find a new dentist for your children, consider having consultations with a few dentists and taking your children with you to ensure that everyone is comfortable with the office and the staff. Ask about what is done to help children have pleasant and productive visits. If you prefer going into the exam room with your children, ask if there is an office policy regarding it.

It will be to your advantage—and your children’s—to insist on quality dental care and patient care for your children.

This post is sponsored by Naperville Dental Specialists.

Dec 26

Why would pediatric dentist want to sedate my daughter?

By Pediatric Dentist

We relocated from Ohio and have a new pediatric dentist for our 2 children. My 8 yr old has a cavity. She normally does very well at a dentist’s office. She doesn’t have any fear. The dentist scheduled an appointment to fill her cavity, and she said that she will administer nitrous oxide first. I don’t think this is necessary at all. Am I being unreasonable? – Anika

Anika – You have a right to accept or refuse dental treatment for your daughter. If you don’t think she requires sedation before filling a cavity, you can explain your concern to your child’s dentist.

The response you get can determine whether or not you choose to seek a second opinion on treatment for your daughter. You will be able to find a dentist who is willing to fill the cavity without sedation.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Nov 19

Daughter’s elbow loosened son’s tooth. Is a pediatric dentist necessary?

By Damaged Tooth, Pediatric Dentist

My 7 yr old son and 3 yr old daughter were wrestling yesterday evening. They play around a lot which is fine with me, but sometimes they get a little rough. The 5 yr old can actually handle it. While they were wrestling, my son tried to pin her down. He is careful not to hurt her, but this time she hurt him instead. She took defense with her elbow which went right into my son’s mouth.  Her elbow hit one of his teeth pretty hard. The tooth bled for about 20 minutes and today before he went to school he said it hurts a little. I checked it and it’s a little loose. I wasn’t really worried about it because it’s not a permanent tooth, but my husband thinks we need to have it looked at by our pediatric dentist. Is this really necessary? I don’t want to call the office because I know they will tell me to bring my son in whether it’s needed or not. Thanks. Cherise

Cherise – When a tooth is loosened it is normal for it to bleed a little from the gums. A slightly loose tooth usually tightens up on its own.

If the tooth feels very loose, or if your son is in persistent pain, you should call your pediatric dentist. Your dentist will likely want to check the tooth anyway to see if it needs to be repositioned, or if it’s very loose, your dentist may want to remove the tooth altogether.

If a primary tooth is loose and needs to be extracted, a spacer may be needed to hold the place for the permanent tooth so that the adjacent teeth won’t shift into the space.

Contacting your pediatric dentist just to check out the tooth is a good precaution.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Oct 30

My kid’s pediatric dentist yelled at us

By Pediatric Dentist

I have 2 kids. My son is 4 yrs old and my daughter is 8 yrs old. The 4 yr old is afraid of nothing including the dentist. My daughter has always been afraid of the dentist even though to my knowledge she has never had a bad experience. The last 2 dental appointments my daughter had did not go well. She got really nervous and teary both times. On her most recent visit 3 weeks ago, the teeth cleaning went okay because the hygienist was patient, but when the dentist came in he looked at my daughter and said, “What are you crying for? Cry babies don’t get balloons in this office.” I think it scared my daughter so she really started sobbing. I tried to comfort her and the dentist yelled at me and told me that they didn’t need me in the room. He said I was making it worse for my daughter. I didn’t leave the room. I asked him to release my daughter so we could reschedule. We have been going to this dentist for 3 years. Although I was never really thrilled with the dentist, I didn’t dislike him either and we have been very pleased with the hygienists. I didn’t want to make a quick decision on whether or not to return, so I gave it some time. Any suggestions? – Heather

Heather – If your daughter is uncomfortable with dental appointments, her most recent experience has made her even more uncomfortable. Her long-term oral health is too important to allow her to have traumatic dental appointments.

Yelling at patients is unacceptable. You can consider finding a new pediatric dentist. Ask friends for references or do Internet searches to find a few experienced dentists. Request consultations and take your children with you to the appointments. You will be able to see the office, and meet the staff and dentist to help you decide on a dentist with whom you and your children are comfortable.

After your first official appointment, if you or your children are not comfortable, don’t hesitate to move on.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Sep 30

Pediatric dentist for thumb sucking?

By Thumb Sucking

My 7 yr old is still sucking her thumb. I think it’s a nervous habit. I’m getting her help regarding her anxiety, but I want to help her stop the thumb sucking before it ruins her teeth. My sister told me I should mention it to my daughter’s pediatric dentist. Can the dentist help? Samantha

Samantha – Your daughter’s pediatric dentist can help.  An oral appliance, referred to as a habit breaker, can be used.  The appliance will prevent your daughter from putting her thumb in her mouth.

Initially the appliance can make the tongue sore, and your daughter will have to adjust to speaking while wearing it. The appliance is not removable, and it usually breaks the habit within 12 months.

If your daughter’s pediatric dentist doesn’t provide the appliance, you will be able to receive one from an orthodontist.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Aug 16

Can I be with my child for her pediatric dentist appointment?

By Pediatric Dentist

My daughter needs to see a pediatric dentist. I had a consultation and liked everything about the dentist until she told me can’t go in the treatment room with child. Is this customary for pediatric dentists? My daughter is only 3years old. This is her first dental visit. I am not going to leave her alone with strangers. Don’t I have a right to be in the treatment room? – Danielle

Danielle – Your concern is understandable. As a parent, you should be able to go into the treatment room with your child. If the dentist you found refuses to allow you in the room, consider finding another pediatric dentist who welcomes parents in during dental procedures for their children.

If you accompany your daughter during the dental procedure—particularly for her first dental visit—both you and she will be more comfortable during treatment, and the dental visit is likely to be more productive.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Mar 23

Does my 4 yr old really need a cavity filled?

By Dental Fillings, Pediatric Dentist

My 4 yr old son needs to have a cavity filled is it safe and necessary? – Carlie

Carlie – Cavities can grow fast in primary teeth, and if the cavity is not filled, your son will develop a toothache. A cavity left untreated can cause your son to prematurely lose the tooth.

Primary front teeth are lost between the ages of six and eight. Molar teeth can remain up to age 12. Primary teeth need to be preserved to help guide permanent teeth to the correct position.

Your son’s tooth can be filled with white composite filling, instead of amalgam or “silver filling.” Speak with your dentist about your concerns. He or she will be able to explain the state of the tooth that needs to be filled, what can happen if you choose not to fill it, and the type of material that will be used for the filling.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Mar 07

Preparing a child with autism for his first dental appointment

By Pediatric Dentist

Hello. My four-year-old son is autistic. I need to schedule a dental appointment for him very soon. Do you have any suggestions on how to make his first dental appointment go as smoothly as possible? Thank you – Marian

Marian – If your current dentist is comfortable with treating children, you may consider making an appointment there. Some dentists refer children to a pediatric dentist for treatment. Pediatric dentists have two years of additional training specifically for treating children. A pediatric dentist is more likely to have treated children with autism.

As you know, autistic children prefer to have things that are familiar to them, and to be in a familiar environment. If you explain to your son’s dentist that he is autistic, it may be possible to take your son to the office in advance of the appointment, so he can see the office, treatment room, and equipment.

You can also bring along your child’s favorite toy, blanket, sweater, or whatever tends to soothe him in unfamiliar surroundings.

Despite the steps you take beforehand, you can expect some discomfort on the first appointment. Finding the right dentist who is willing to treat your son is important to helping him be comfortable. There are many pediatric dentists who are accustomed to treating children with autism. You may wish to do some Internet research for such or dentist, or make some phone calls and specifically ask for a consultation with the dentist of your choice before scheduling an appointment.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

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