I need some advice. My child had their first cavity and now she is terrified of our dentist. Every time we bring her in, she is an absolute nightmare. They end up coming to get me to take her out. What do I do?
Leslie
Dear Leslie,
There can be a few things going on here. I have not tried to examine your daughter, so I can’t tell you exactly what’s going on, but can give you some things to consider as possibilities and how to get her the treatment she needs.
Possibility One: Your Dentist is Not Great With Children
Not all dentists enjoy treating children. One way to know that is when they first want to start seeing children. If they want to wait until they’re in elementary school, that is a hint that kids aren’t their favorite thing. On the other hand, if they’re happy to see them in their toddler years you can know they enjoy children. You mentioned they have to come get you. You may want a dentist who allows you to come into the operatory with your child. While some kids do better without their parents, others find having a parent nearby comforting. Plus, if you are in there you can gauge how your dentist interacts with your daughter. Does he know how to make her smile? Does he put her at ease? Or maybe he barks orders and is not patient. That can be frightening to adults too!
Possibility Two: Your Dentist is Fine but the Trauma Has Impacted Her
You mentioned she recently had an appointment to take care of a cavity. It’s very possible that her appointment was painful and now she is certain everything the dentist does is going to hurt. Dental anxiety is a serious issue, even in adults. Most of the time, it stems from a traumatic and painful dental appointment as a child. The really good news is there is a solution. Your daughter will need to see a dentist who offers dental sedation options. You can locate them by doing an internet search for “sedation dentist” or a “cater to cowards dentist“.
These dentists are used to working with anxious patients and have medication that can completely relax your daughter and give her that fear-free treatment she needs. They do not necessarily have to be a pediatric dentist, just make sure they like treating children, as mentioned above.
This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.