Questions and Answers About children's dental visits
WHAT IF MY CHILD CRIES DURING HER DENTAL VISIT? 
It is important to remember the difference between a real fear and an imagined one. As each of us steps into new environments, it is easy to imagine the worst happening to us. If we are logical, we can manage to conquer that fear. That’s what we are helping children to do – conquer their anxiety and imagined fears and become adept in a new environment. Because we treat children with more control and patience, the end is a sense of accomplishment. Also, frustration can be a first step toward that goal. Frustration usually comes in the form of crying. Leading pediatrician Dr. Terry Brazelton states that “no true learning takes place without frustration.” Our years of experience tell us that this is a temporary phase that will pass when your child begins to feel in control and confident about being at the dentist.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS TRULY AFRAID?
Dental visits don’t produce fear, they overcome it. Training, by definition, is a discipline of drills and patterns designed to develop or expand a skill. It makes sense to protect your child from possible hazards. However, exposure to new experiences is essential to growth. Our professional dental team will approach your child’s fears with sensitivity and confidence. Soon, fears vanish. Trust blossoms in the bond between dental professional and child. Happy Visits may be one way that your child can receive the additional time and instruction that they need to train and practice for an up-coming treatment appointment. Dr. Carolyn and Dr. Downey will discuss other options that are available for your child if necessary. Together you and your child’s dentist will develop a plan to suit your child’s needs.
