Preparing an anxious teen for a trip to the dentist can be far more difficult than managing a worried child. Teenagers have likely spent more time in the dentist’s chair than a younger child has and may have more firmly planted fears about what could happen during the visit.
There are a number of things which a parent can do to make their teen feel more comfortable prior to and during the visit: arrange for a meet and greet with the dentist, be present during the appointment with your teen and have your child see the same hygienist every time. But one of the best steps a parent can take is to choose a dentists for adolescence in Chino, which specialize in taking care of anxious teens. Below is what you should expect from this type of specialized dental practice:
They Understand the Unique Needs of Your Teen
Also known as pediatric dentists, dentists for adolescence make a point to understand what it is that is concerning your teen. They have often received additional training on how to help allay the most common fears for teens during a trip to the dentist and have a number of techniques which they can use to help relax your child.
They Are Patient
A typical dentist will try to rush through an appointment with a fearful patient, believing that the sooner the appointment is over, the more comfortable your teen will feel. Those who regularly help children and teens, however, know that this is seldom the case. They will take the time to speak with your child and explain every step of the process. After discussing what will happen during the visit, they will also know what will help make your child more comfortable.
- Dentists and hygienists who specialize in child and teen oral care will create a communication plan with your child prior to taking any action (i.e. they may both agree that if a child feels any pain he or she can raise his or her hand and the dentist will stop the procedure)
- Those caring for your child will make sure that they are as physically relaxed as possible prior to cleaning or repairing their teeth
- The dental practices which care for teens will have an array of different teen-approved distraction materials available, including magazines, televisions, MP3 players, video games, and more
Their Practice Has a Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere
The best dentists and their staff will make a point to create an atmosphere which is friendly and inviting to your teen. Apart from being light and open, most dentists for adolescence practices will outfit their office with furniture and décor which is engaging to your teen. In fact, many of these practices will more closely resemble a toy store or an arcade than a professional dental office.
Preparing an anxious teen for a trip to the dentist can be far more difficult than managing a worried child.
