Saturday, November 14, 2009

How do you prepair a 6 yr old for dental surgery?

My daughter needs to have three teeth pulled under sedation, to help avoid braces later on. How do I explain this to her.

How do you prepair a 6 yr old for dental surgery?
I had to have 6 teeth pulled when I had to have braces...also under sedation...I was about 11 or 12 though...I'm 24 now...I've had to have other dental surgeries too...





I don't think I was super scared because all my parents really told me was that I needed to have some teeth pulled...honestly, all I remember is sitting in the chair and I was out like a light within minutes...then I woke up and I was crying and walking to this little room where they let me lay for a while...(they say you either wake up laughing or crying from the drugs)...





I never had an ounce of pain after having the 6 teeth out...the only weird thing is that you can feel all the holes where the teeth came out...and a little soreness if you touch them with your tongue...otherwise not a problem...I hope this is the same for your child...





If I were in your shoes as a mother and knowing my own experience, I would tell her as little as possible, but still let her know that the teeth have to come out...





Please feel free to e-mail me if you want to chat about it or if you have any questions...
Reply:Just be straight up with her -- then tell her if she's a good girl that you will take her out for a "big girl's lunch" the following week.
Reply:I'd just tell her that there is nothing to be scared of, and maybe tell her about a surgery that you have had that you needed to be under sedation, (like for a broked bone or something??) and tell her that there will be a reward like a new toy or an ice cream cone (if you don't get them often) or just something that she really likes
Reply:Just explain there are some teeth she needs to have taken care of, which is not under anyone control (in other words you can't help it...and sometimes these things happen).





If she's having GA sedation, then explain that she will be given something which will make her feel sleepy. While she's sleeping, the Dr's are going to take care of her teeth now (so these teeth don't bother her later), then she will wake up, everything will be done. Let her know you will be there for her...every minute (if the child needs reassurance).





Usually, an honest "heads up" works best with children. The more details you share with them, the less they feel surprised. Most children require extra TLC, because there are so many unknowns ahead of them...which causes fear. (Same goes for many adults!)





Call your dental office ahead of time, and see if you can discuss which procedure (what type of sedation) they are using. The more you know about this, the better you can explain this to your child. You'll feel better, too.





You can always have the Dr or their assistant explain everything to your child with you right there. Having you there will help them feel more confident and reassured.





Hope this helps.


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