Monthly Archives: May 2019

sedation dentist

Is Sedation Dentistry Necessary For My Child?

My daughter is eight. She is a sweet, cooperative little girl, and generally healthy. We have maintained consistent dental habits, which include flossing and using mouthwash daily. She was recently diagnosed with a cavity at her last dental checkup.

When we returned to the dentist office for the cavity to be filled, she seemed a bit fidgety. It was as if she couldn’t get comfortable, and was nervous. This wasn’t surprising, as this was the first dental procedure she’d undergone. Therefore, I decided to leave the room, thinking my presence was causing her to be additionally worried, as sometimes has happened with her.

After some time had passed, I assumed everything was going smoothly, until I heard her screaming. When I rushed into the exam room, I found her curled into a ball on the table, unable to be consoled by the dentist or his assistant.

The dentist exited the room, to give me an opportunity to calm her down. When I asked the assistant to tell me what happened, she informed me that my daughter had clamped down on the dentist’s hand when he was trying to numb her, biting him, then began flailing and flinging her arms and legs. This also caused her to bite down on the drill, which cracked his tooth.

The dentist returned to check in on my daughter, but mentioned to me that a pediatric dentist may be a better fit.

I am concerned about the trauma this caused her, and what to do going forward. She is now in need of a crown, and I want to be sure this situation does not repeat itself. Should I consider sedation prior to her next procedure? I know very little about it, or its possible side effects, but know that my daughter cannot have another experience like this one.

Any guidance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Janice

Dear Janice,

It is unfortunate that your daughter went through this experience, especially considering she had several positive dental visits prior to this one.

It is good that your dentist suggested you find see a pediatric dentist, especially since she now has further damage, and has experienced such trauma. Perhaps you could schedule a routine checkup for your daughter with a pediatric dentist first. This way, she can learn about the dentist, become familiar with the office, and understanding what goes into a child’s first visit to a dentist.

Once she has a positive experience with the dentist, you could schedule a follow-up appointment for the crown procedure. And, you are correct, sedation dentistry may be the best option for her. But, dental anxiety is best addressed by communicating with your dentist. Perhaps you can privately share about her previous dental experience. This way, the pediatric dentist can help you determine if sedation dentistry is the route you should go, or, if there are other ways to address her nervousness and anxiety.

The right choice will ultimately depend on what types of sedation the dentist offers, as well as what you feel is the best fit for your daughter.

This blog post is brought to you by the office of Dr. Matt Roper, a Gilbert sedation dentist.

Pediatric Dentistry

How do pediatric dentists treat children who won’t cooperate?

Many dentists enjoy treating children, even children who are somewhat difficult to treat. They enjoy them, have fun with them, and find fulfillment in focusing on the children and helping them receive the care they need and deserve. However, even if a parent does all he or she can to prepare a child for their appointment, one of the biggest obstacles in treating children is their movement. Some children will not lay still.

Methods for Controlling Child Movement During Dental Procedures

One way a dentist could attempt to control movement is with the use of a mouth prop, called a molt mouth gag to prevent the young patients from biting down during a procedure, and causing further pain and damage.

photo of a mouth molt gag
Mouth molt gag

However, some children are more difficult to control and need more restraint, in order to treat them effectively and safely. Even with multiple attempts to calm them down, some children still throw their arms and legs, risking their safety and preventing treatment. For these children, parents will be asked for permission to physically restrain their child. When permission is granted, the dentist may wrap the child in a papoose, and then complete the treatment.

Child in dental office wrapped in papoose
Papoose

The papoose technique is not meant to be harmful, traumatic, or mean. It is only used on incredibly strong-willed children who refuse to lay still, thus making it impossible to treat them safely. It ultimately allows the child to calm down.

When the successful treatment is complete, the child will be congratulated, often given a chance to pick a toy or treat from the prize box or treasure chest, and walk away feeling good.

This article was provided by the office of Phoenix pediatric dentist Dr. Hillary Peck.

 

Affordable Dentist

Is an Affordable Dentist Possible Without Dental Insurance?

I’m in my late thirties and have never been the best at taking care of my teeth. I have been without dental insurance for the last couple of years, and, therefore, haven’t had a checkup in well over that amount of time.

I am a contract employee, which means I don’t have dental insurance, and, recently, found myself without any work. The nature of my unemployment status has me under more stress than ever before and I’m discovering that I am grinding my teeth when I sleep. In fact, I think I may have a cracked tooth because of the grinding.

I am certain I have a myriad of other dental issues which need addressed, since I haven’t been seen for quite some time. I know that I can’t put dental care off any longer, but am concerned about the cost, since I don’t have dental insurance.

Is it even possible to find a cheap dentist who does quality work?

Thank you,
Erica

Dear Erica,

It sounds like you’ve been experiencing a run of bad luck. Unfortunately, searching for a cheap dentist will likely yield cheap care. If you seek dentists that are promoting the fact that they offer cheaper rates than their competitors, you will more than likely get what you pay for. Your treatment could be quick and rushed, the quality of care could be less, or you could be one of several patients being seen at the same time.

The best route to take is to try to focus your search on finding a quality dentist, who does a great job, yet is within your budget parameters. There are several considerations when doing this.

What to Consider When Looking for an Affordable Dentist

You mentioned not having dental insurance. One option to consider is getting dental insurance of your own. Many of the major insurance providers offer policies similar to what you would have through an employer. It just isn’t subsidized, as it would be with an employer. You would likely pay something in the range of $50 per month, maybe more, maybe less. If this is something to consider, don’t wait, as many policies require a specific waiting period.

Another consideration is looking into a practices that offers financial arrangements. Some offices offer discounts for cash paying customers who pay in full. Many offices offer financing options through programs such as CareCredit. CareCredit is a program which offers no interest payment plans for a specified period of time.

A third option to consider is arranging your dental procedures in an order which allows you to budget for them. Ask the dentist which procedures are priority and should be addressed soon, then stager the remaining procedures.

Finally, you are right to want to take care of the teeth grinding, before any major problems begin to occur. Grinding teeth can wear your teeth down greatly, causing a need for crowns and fillings. It can also cause teeth to break, or loosen, and can ultimately cause jaw issues. All of which will become worse if left untreated. If your grinding your teeth at night, be sure to address this with a dentist, as you could be fitted for a night guard.

If you are grinding your teeth during the day, due to stress-inducing clenching or grinding, this is different. Because it is impractical to leave a night guard in all day and night, there are other techniques that can help to prevent daytime grinding. Many people have good luck learning to practice techniques of mindfulness and relaxation. Therefore, if you find yourself beginning to clench your jaw, or grind your teeth during the waking hours, you could try to think of something that relaxes you, or meditate briefly.

Many of these considerations will allow you to address your dental needs with a quality, affordable dentist, which staying within your budget.

Good luck!

This blog article is provided by the office of Phoenix affordable dentist, Dr. Hillary Peck.