I have a child with white coat anxiety. Any time we are in any medical office, whether a doctor or dentist, she goes into a complete meltdown and panic. She has an obvious cavity and I want to have her treated using dental sedation. We tried nitrous and it didn’t work for her. I think she needs something stronger, like oral conscious sedation. Her pediatric dentist refuses and says it isn’t safe for children. I’m not sure I accept that. I have a brother whose kids use it all the time. Is his pediatric dentist putting his children in danger?
Timothy
Dear Timothy,
Family Dentists Can Treat Children and their Parents
I wouldn’t push your child’s pediatric dentist into using a dental sedation method they are not equipped for. While it is perfectly safe, there is some training necessary. If they don’t have that training, the safety element goes away.
It is not uncommon for a person with severe anxiety to need something stronger than nitrous oxide. It is a better fit for someone with mild anxiety. This dentist may not be the best dentist for your daughter. Every dental practice has their niche of clientele they prefer to work with. One type of dentist prefers working with fearful patients. Your daughter will need this type of dentist. Additionally, you’ll want someone who is good with children.
While pediatric dentists are good at putting children at ease and making their appointments fun, this may call for something more targeted. Some dentists make it a goal to help patients with anxiety come to love their dental appointments. They often advertise themselves as “cater to cowards” dentists.
You may need to look for a family dentist who does dental sedation instead of a pediatric dentist in order to get the level of sedation your child needs.
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