5 Tips to Prepare for Your Child’s Sedation Dentistry Visit
It’s normal to be nervous before sedation dentistry.
The reasons why a child might need sedation dentistry are as varied as children themselves. If your child has a sedation dentistry appointment on the calendar, it’s completely natural to have questions. What will it be like when your child receives sedation medication? What are the side effects? Is there a lot of prep that needs to be done?
Don’t worry, this article is all about what you and your child can expect during the appointment, so you both can feel more prepared and comfortable once the day arrives.
1. Follow All Pre-Appointment Instructions
The dental team won’t leave you hanging when it comes to preparation. Before the day arrives, you will be given a complete list of guidelines. This includes what your child can eat, drink, or what medication they can or cannot take before the procedure. The type of sedation they have will determine when they need to stop eating. Fasting before a visit is often required, so be sure to follow those instructions closely!
2. Dress Your Child Comfortably
When the day arrives for your child’s appointment, their clothing choice matters for optimal comfort. So instead of bundling them into the car for their very own fashion show, opt for something loose-fitting and comfortable—maybe their favorite pair of PJs or a pair of sweat pants and a T-shirt. Another way to help keep them comfortable is by bringing a blanket or a favorite stuffy as well. If it helps make them feel safe and secure, it’s worth considering!
3. Talk About the Visit in a Calm, Simple Way
Before the visit, be sure your child knows what to expect to hopefully avoid a meltdown. When talking to your child, do whatever you can to keep your nervousness from seeping into your voice. Use age-appropriate language to explain what’s going to happen. Reassure them that it’s okay to feel sleepy, and that you’re going to be nearby to give them all the snuggles as soon as they are done. How you talk to your child about their visit matters; it can make the difference between them coming in scared and coming in feeling prepared and ready to conquer the visit.
If you have any questions about how to talk to your child about their specific procedure, don’t be afraid to ask any of the staff here at We Make Kids Smile. We are always here for you and your children, and would rather help you explain things than leave both of you in the dark.
4. Plan for Recovery Time After the Visit
When planning the day of your child’s procedure, you might want to save the amusement park, museum, or other kind of reward for another day. There’s a high chance your child may be drowsy or sleepy for a few hours afterward. Have a quiet space ready for them at home to rest. Their celebration time can come later, but immediately after is a time for snuggles and rest.
When it comes to recovery, don’t forget hydration! Dehydration is a quick way to get sick, so be sure to monitor how much your child is drinking to make sure they stay hydrated.
5. Ask Questions Before the Appointment
Though we touched on it before, it is imperative that you know you can ask the dental team any questions you have. Leading up to the appointment, write down you and your child’s questions so you can remember what you need to ask when the time comes.
Need some ideas on where to start with your questions? You might consider asking what kind of sedation is going to be used and what the experience will be like. You can also ask about the safety measures that are put in place to ensure your child is completely safe and comfortable. Whatever questions you might have are worth asking; there is no such thing as a stupid question.
Sedation dentistry offers a stress-free experience.
With just a little preparation and reassurance, sedation dentistry can be a smooth and stress-free experience. Sometimes it just requires a little more communication to ensure everyone is on the same page. No matter the reasons why your child needs sedation dentistry, it is important that you and your family know that We Make Kids Smile is here to guide you every step of the way. Get in touch with us today to begin the process!
