6 Tips to Prepare your Child for Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is a dental procedure that involves the dentist taking your tooth out of its socket. Several factors could lead to tooth removal:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Broken teeth
• Impacted teeth
• Overcrowded teeth
• Shedding of milk teeth

When it comes to kids, they could be quite scared to undergo the procedure. You do not want your child to turn up at the dentist’s office crying and kicking. Do you? It is, therefore, your role as a parent or guardian to ensure you prepare them well. How do you that? We rounded up some essential tips to get your young one to co-operate.

Ask for the Best Anesthesia Option

Because tooth extraction pain is to be expected, your kid has to be anesthetized to numb the site of extraction. There exist three types of anesthesia:

• Local Anesthesia: For simple and short procedures, this is the recommended anesthesia. When administered, you will be wide awake during the whole procedure but won’t feel any pain. Local anesthesia quickly kicks in and wears out after a short time. As for administration, it can be directly applied to the area where the extraction will take place or injected.
• Sedation: There are three levels of sedation: mild, deep, and moderate. Depending on the sedation level, you could be conscious, semi-conscious, or unconscious.
• General Anesthesia: It is recommended for lengthy procedures or anxious patients. During the whole procedure, you will be unconscious and experience no pain.

Before booking your child in, talk to your dentist in Lancaster, SC, and discuss the best anesthesia for them.

Include your Kid in Decision-making

Yes, I know what you are thinking. Involving a three-year-old in decision-making may seem like an absurd thing to do, but trust me, it is the smartest thing you could do. Why? First, it is your kid’s mouth that is going to be worked on, so they have every right to know what awaits them. Second, doesn’t the constitution provides for the freedom of expression! The point is that you can’t make that decision for your child. They may have their worries, and they ought to be listened to. For instance, your mini-you might want to wait a bit longer, and that is okay. They may also want their tooth (if it is a milk tooth that wants to come out) to come out naturally. Without talking to them about the procedure, there is no chance of knowing their preferences.

Tell them what to Expect

Give your kid as much information as you can. Tell them what to expect once they walk into Kids First Dental Lancaster. This way, they won’t be shaken by the peculiar surroundings in the dentist’s room.

Be Positive

Get your kid to look at the bright side of the procedure. This is where the fairytale game should come into play. You could tell your kid that they could get a gift the next morning under their pillow if they place their tooth there. Of course, kids will believe the most outrageous things! Getting them to look at the positive side of the extraction reduces their anxiety and any fears they may have of the procedure.

A Favorite Toy, maybe?

Whether it’s a Barbie doll or stuffed rabbit, you might want to take with you one of your child’s favorite toys. Let them hold it throughout the procedure as it could reduce their anxiety. When the anesthesia wears off, and they wake up, at least they get to see one thing they’re familiar with.

Listen to People’s Experiences

If you know of anyone that has had their teeth extracted, talk to them. They might tell you important details that your dentist might have accidentally left out and even encourage your child to go through with the procedure. You should, however, avoid talking to people that make the whole process seem unbearable.

Finding the Right Clinic

If you are looking for a dental clinic that provides tooth extraction for kids, meet Dr. Leonardo Koerich at our office today. Our dentist is highly-experienced and prioritizes yours and your loved ones’ oral health. Call us today and book an appointment.