Going to the dentist can be a stressful experience for children. At 949 Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we understand that dental anxiety is common among kids. That’s why we work to create a warm, welcoming environment where your child feels safe, comfortable, and at ease.
Our compassionate behavior management approaches are designed to put even the most fearful little ones at ease. From our child-friendly office decor to our patience and empathy, we strive to make every visit as stress-free as possible.
Understanding Dental Anxiety in Children
It’s normal for children to feel some apprehension about going to the dentist. In fact, up to 15% of kids experience extreme dental fear significant enough to be considered a phobia. Dental anxiety can stem from:
- Fear of pain or discomfort during procedures
- Lack of understanding about what happens at a dental appointment
- Previous negative experiences at the dentist
- Parents’ own dental fears unintentionally transferred to the child
Younger children are more prone to experience dental fear, as are kids with naturally shy or anxious temperaments. While common, severe dental anxiety can interfere with proper oral health care. Left untreated, it can even lead to serious dental problems in adulthood.
This is why it’s important to establish positive associations with dental visits early on. At 949 Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, our team of pediatric specialists makes it our priority to create a stress-free, child-friendly environment.
Your Child’s Smile, Our Specialty
Compassionate Pediatric Behavior Management
At 949 Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we never use harsh or punitive methods to force a fearful child to comply with treatment. Instead, our compassionate providers use a variety of pediatric behavior management techniques designed to ease anxiety and make dental visits more pleasant, including:
| Strategy | Description |
| Tell, show, do | Thoroughly explaining each step of a procedure in simple terms helps children know what to expect. We also demonstrate instruments and allow children to handle them. |
| Distraction | Songs, stories, toys, and games provide positive distractions from potential stressors. |
| Positive reinforcement | Praise, stickers, and prizes motivate cooperation and reward brave behavior. |
| Relaxation techniques | Deep breathing, guided imagery, and other methods promote relaxation. |
| Sedation dentistry | For severe cases, we offer sedation options like nitrous oxide to induce total relaxation. |
We get to know each child individually and tailor our approach based on their specific needs. Our goal is for all children to feel safe and comfortable throughout their dental visit.
Advanced Sedation Dentistry for Extreme Dental Phobia
For the small percentage of children with extreme dental fear and anxiety, we offer advanced sedation dentistry. These are cases where traditional behavior management techniques are not enough for a child to fully cooperate with needed dental treatment.
Sedation dentistry allows us to safely and humanely provide oral health care for even the most fearful patients in a relaxed, anxiety-free setting.
We offer two main types of sedation:
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide provides mild sedation and pain relief. It’s breathed in through a small mask placed over your child’s nose. Takes effect quickly and wears off fast once stopped. Your child remains awake but feels more relaxed.
- Oral Sedation
Your child takes an oral sedative medication prior to their appointment. This allows your child to feel calm and drowsy throughout procedures. They remain awake but are generally unaware of what’s happening. Takes about an hour to take effect and lasts several hours.
Our board-certified specialists ensure that your child remains safe and comfortable throughout sedation procedures. Vital signs including heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels are closely monitored.
With sedation dentistry, we can achieve our goals of delivering essential oral health care, combating dental disease, and establishing regular hygiene habits for even the most anxious children.
Advanced Facilities Designed for Kids
Our state-of-the-art pediatric dental office provides the ideal environment for reducing anxiety in children. From our vibrant, kid-friendly waiting room to our specially designed dental chairs, every detail is crafted with children in mind.
Highlights include:
- Pediatric-sized dental chairs and equipment
- TVs overhead and gaming consoles in chairs to provide distraction
- Warm, inviting decor with murals, games, and toys
- Panoramic windows flooding rooms with natural light
This purpose-built pediatric facility helps put children at ease from the moment they walk through our doors.
Join the Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics family for dedicated, child-friendly dental care that makes every visit a fun experience.
Why Choose Us for Pediatric Behavior Management?
When it comes to managing dental fear in children, you need a dental team you can trust. Here’s what sets 949 Pediatric Dentistry apart:
- Warm, compassionate providers skilled in pediatric behavior techniques
- On-staff child psychologist for added expertise in anxiety issues
- Advanced pediatric dental facility designed to reduce stress
- Parental presence and involvement throughout appointments
- Integrative treatment plans combining sedation when needed
- Fun rewards programs to motivate kids and celebrate their bravery
- Convenient Upper East Side location close to NYC families
Our foremost priority is creating a dental experience where your child feels safe, secure, and comfortable. We know that when children feel good about going to the dentist, they are more likely to keep up with their oral health as they grow.
Comprehensive Care for Healthy, Confident Smiles
In addition to pediatric behavior management, we offer a full range of dental services under one roof, including:
- Routine cleanings and exams
- Fluoride treatments
- Sealants
- Digital x-rays
- Fillings and extractions
- Space maintainers
- Emergency services
- Crowns and bridges
- Orthodontics, including Invisalign
With all services provided by our team of pediatric specialists, you can feel confident your child is receiving the highest quality dental care tailored to their unique needs in a friendly, stress-free environment.
Preparing Your Child for a Dental Visit
While our pediatric specialists handle behavior management at appointments, you can help prepare your child to have a positive experience:
- Have a discussion to understand their concerns and provide reassuring explanations about what happens at the dentist. Avoid threats about pain or using the dentist as punishment.
- Share your own positive experiences to model calm behavior. Avoid projecting your own dental fears.
- Read children’s books about going to the dentist to familiarize them with what to expect.
- Stick to your child’s normal routine on appointment days to minimize disruption.
- Bring comfort items like stuffed animals or blankets.
- Provide lots of praise and encouragement, during and after the appointment.
- Consider scheduling a brief introductory visit to meet the dentist and tour the office.
With the right preparation and our compassionate care, your child’s appointment can be an uplifting, positive experience, allowing us to safeguard their oral health.
Schedule a Stress-Free Dental Visit Today!
If your child experiences dental anxiety, our compassionate team can help. We aim to make the dentist a place they look forward to visiting with smiles rather than fear.
To schedule a pediatric behavioral management appointment for your little one, contact 949 Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics today!