Helping Your Child Overcome Their Fear of Dentists

Helping Your Child Overcome Their Fear of Dentists

Helping Your Child Overcome Fear of Dentists - Green Dental Care

For a child, going to the dentist can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. The experience of sitting in the dental chair while a strange new person uses hard metal instruments to poke around their mouth can be too much for a child. While the fear is understandable, it’s important to help your children keep their teeth and gums healthy from a very young age. At Green Dental Care, we pride ourselves on creating the best experience for all of our patients. We want to ensure that future visits to your Parker CO dentist are enjoyable and stress-free. Dr. Ionescu has put together the following steps that you can take to helping your child overcome their fear of dentists. 

Early Introductions to Your Dentist in Parker

The sooner a child pays a visit to the dentist, the better comfortable they will ultimately be. Our friends Dr. Kristina Neda at ThoroughDent Smiles, a pediatric dental office in Georgetown, KY,  recommends that the first visit to the dentist be at the age of 1, or soon after the first teeth start to erupt. Keep it upbeat and fun, and encourage your child with plenty of positive reinforcement.

Keep it Age Appropriate and Easy to Understand

When you’re preparing your child for a visit to the dentist, try not to go into too much detail. This can lead to creating plenty of unnecessary anxiety as your child tried to understand what is going to happen. Keep up with a positive attitude and tone of voice when discussing any upcoming visits or procedures.

If your child needs treatment, keep the explanation simple and age-appropriate, reassuring your child that the doctor and staff are there to help.

Be Mindful of the Words that You Use

There are some words that should be avoided when discussing dental or doctor visits with children. Just the words alone can often lead to anxiety.

  • Shot
  • Injection
  • Hurt
  • Pain
  • Drill

Instead, allow your child’s pediatric dentist and hygienists to use their own language when describing what they will be doing. A common description of treatment is to use the words “sugar bugs.” Simply tell your little one that the dentist is going to check their smile and look for any invisible sugar bugs so that he can clean them off.

  • Focus on positive words.
  • Clean teeth
  • Strong teeth
  • Healthy teeth
  • Happy smiles
  • Healthy smiles

This can help to make the visits to your Parker dentist feel fun and interesting, rather than alarming and frightening.

Playing Pretend

Children learn through playing, and playing pretend with your child can help to reassure them about what to expect from an upcoming visit to the dentist. Pretend to be the dentist and take turns with your child playing the dentist. All you will need is a toothbrush and your imagination. Count your child’s teeth and have them count and examine yours. The type of play you engage in doesn’t need to be specific or anything other than keeping it fun. The goal is to get your little one familiar with the routine of a dental office visit.

Pick up a few picture books that have lots of illustrations and an easy-to-understand dialogue to help children get an idea about what can be expected.

Prepare for a Bit of Fussing

It is very normal and very age-appropriate for young children to be fussy, cry, whine, and argue about being seen by their Parker CO dentist. Try to remain calm and collected, remembering that your children can often pick up your own anxiety. Remember, also, that your dentist in Parker CO has worked with many children. Each member of the team will know how to handle the fussing best that your children may demonstrate.

It’s your job to be the cool-headed and calm parent, while the dental professionals handle the business of keeping their teeth healthy.

Focus on the Importance of a Healthy Mouth

Teaching your children that dental visits are necessary and not optional will help them to understand that the dentist will help them to take care of their teeth. You may want to explain that the dentist can help to keep teeth free from cavities and help to ensure a beautiful smile for many great years to come.

Start your children with the best oral health care and make an appointment for an examination with the best dentist in Parker. You’ll find our entire team kind, compassionate, and really understanding when it comes to working with our littlest patients. We offer a wide range of dental services that will meet each of your oral healthcare goals.

Recovery Tips for a Tooth Extraction

recovery tips for a tooth extraction - green dental care

Recovery Tips for a Tooth Extraction

recovery tips for a tooth extraction - green dental care

There are a number of reasons that you may find yourself facing a tooth extraction. Perhaps you’re having your wisdom teeth extracted by your Parker CO dentist? Maybe you need a tooth extraction for orthodontic treatment? Is your tooth damaged beyond repair? No matter what the reasons may be the recovery time is typically the same. Dr. Chris Green, a dentist in Parker, CO put together 8 of his favorite recovery tips for a tooth extraction.

1. Plan Well in Advance

During your consultation with the best dentist in Parker, you’ll learn what to expect during the procedure and after the procedure. This can help you to plan for what you’ll need to have on hand at home. It is likely that you will need someone to drive you home after your procedure. So, ask a family member or friend.

It would be a good idea to schedule a day or two off from work after surgery, so that you have ample time to rest and recover.

2. Be Mindful of Your Diet

You may not feel hungry at all after your procedure. But if you do, try to stick to soups and broths for at least a full day after surgery. Definitely avoid spicy foods, crunchy or hard foods. Stay hydrated with plenty of water, but do be sure to avoid using straws.

3. Listen to Your Body and Rest

It’s tempting to return to your normal routine immediately, but it can prove to be better overall for your health to take it slowly. Keep your head elevated by several pillows and relax. Keep out of the gym for at least a full day. Just simply listen to your body and get plenty of good rest.

4. Try Salt Water Rinses

It may not sound appetizing at all, but it’s important to rinse your mouth out with a lukewarm rinse of salt and water. Use it several times a day, particularly after you eat. It will help to reduce a significant amount of the swelling and discomfort you are feeling.

5. Control the Bleeding

Some minor bleeding is expected after a tooth extraction. However, any excessive bleeding should be reported to your dentist right away, particularly if it is accompanied by severe pain. Your dentist will have you bite down on sterile gauze in order to stem the bleeding after the extraction. You can, however, switch to using soaked tea bags once you get home. Tea leaves are well known for helping to reduce discomfort and also encourage clotting.

6. Control the Swelling

Our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, says that swelling is a normal and expected side-effect of having a tooth extracted. Dr. Kacos recommends lots of ice packs, applied to your cheek, for 20-minute intervals, which can help to reduce the swelling and bruising. It can also help with the discomfort that you’re feeling. If your tooth was badly infected, you may find more comfort from warm compresses.

7. Pay Attention to Instructions You Are Given

You will be given detailed instructions before you leave your Parker Co’s dental office. Be sure that you pay attention to each of the instructions so that you can be assured of the best in results while you are healing. Be sure to always reach out to Dr. Chris Green if you have additional questions or concerns.

8. Think Ahead

If you find yourself feeling discouraged about the extractions, consider the way your smile will be transformed once your dental work has been completed. Those who are looking forward to Parker CO dental implants will soon have a brand new winning smile they can be proud of. The minor discomfort and frustration that you feel now will soon be a blip in the rearview mirror.

Are you ready to schedule that extraction with the dental professionals at Green Dental Care? Contact us to make your appointment, and let us restore your smile.

Oral Sedation for Kids: Questions to Ask About

oral sedation for kids - green dental care

Oral Sedation for Kids: Questions to Ask About

oral sedation for kids - green dental care

Going to the dentist can be an overwhelming prospect for children. Being told that they need to work on their teeth can be enough to cause a significant amount of anxiety. Kids are sure to have plenty of questions to ask you about the treatment that they are facing. At Green Dental Care, we are always happy to help our patients in any way we can. 

Oral Sedation for Kids: Questions to Ask Prior

These questions will help you to best know what to expect during your consultation with your child’s dentist in Parker, CO. These questions are similar to the questions that you should ask about your own treatment, including the dental implants Parker dentists can offer.

  • What information about my child’s medical history do you need to know? If your child has a history of complications, it’s important for your dentist to have this information at hand.
  • Will the prescriptions and over-the-counter medications they are taking impact them during the procedure? Some medications can thin the blood and cause complications during procedures. Your child’s dentist will need to be aware of what your child might be taking, even prescribed antibiotics.
  • Does my child need to abstain from food and drink before the procedure? Some procedures will require your child to avoid eating or drinking anything for several hours prior to undergoing a procedure that uses oral sedation or anesthesia.

Oral Sedation for Kids: What Should I Expect?

Asking these questions will help you and your child to know what should be expected during the procedure itself. Your Parker CO dentist and team members will provide you with all of the information that you need to know.

  • How long will my child be under oral sedation or anesthesia? Your Parker CO dentist will take a conservative approach, ensuring that your child receives only the amount of medication needed to complete the procedure pain-free.
  • What are the risks to this procedure and the sedation method being used? You’ll find that even the best dentist in Parker cannot guarantee that there’ll be zero potential for risks during the procedure. Your dentist will place the health and safety of your child above all else.
  • What are the steps you’ll take in the event of an emergency? Your dentist and assisting staff will know the right steps to take in the event of an emergency situation.
  • What type of sedation will be used on my child? Oral conscious sedation is commonly requested at Green Dental Care.  

Oral Sedation for Kids: Post-Care Questions

Knowing what to expect when your child is home and resting can help you to best understand the type of care your child needs during the recovery phase. We asked our friend, Dr. Jordan Smith, a dentist in Georgetown, KY, about which post-care questions parents should ask. Dr. Smith recommends the following:

  • What are some potential sedation dentistry complications to be aware of? Knowing what to look for can help you to ensure your child is safe at all times.
  • What should I do if my child has a fever? Fever could be an indication of infection. Calling your dentist should be your first step so that infection can be ruled out.
  • When should I reach out for urgent treatment? Fever or other signs of infection, bleeding or pain that cannot be readily managed are all signs that you need to call the office for further guidance.
  • Should I call the dental office or go to the emergency room? If the concern is dental related, you should call an emergency dentist in Parker, CO to get further guidance from your dentist. If it is after hours or the fever is very high, you should seek out emergency treatment in the emergency room.

You and your child no longer have to be scared of going to the dentist thanks to oral-conscious sedation. Being reassuring and honest will help heir comfort levels. This can also help make every dental procedure less of an overwhelming process.

To learn more about the types of oral sedation and anesthesia that works well for children, call Green Dental Care and schedule an appointment. Keep in mind that we offer solutions that work for adults, too. 

Temporary Crown Falls Out

temporary crown falls out - Green Dental Care

Temporary Crown Falls Out

temporary crown falls out - Green Dental Care

Your local dentist in Parker, CO, will place a temporary crown over your teeth if you’ve undergone restorative treatment. The temporary crown is designed to protect your tooth after treatment like root canals. Your temporary crown can also preserve aesthetics until you are fitted with your permanent restoration.

Parker CO dentists emphasize that temporary crowns are not as durable as the permanent dental crowns that will replace it. If your temporary crown becomes damaged, cracked, or falls out entirely before your permanent dental crown is placed, you’ll need to fix this problem ASAP. It can be worrisome when this happens, but there’s no need to panic just yet. Keep reading to find out what steps you should take if your temporary crown does happen to fall out.

Understanding the Temporary Crown

The temporary crown is a tooth restoration solution that is custom-made to cover and protect a tooth that has been reshaped for placement of the permanent crown. It helps to protect the vulnerable tooth from damage. It could also protect you from feeling any sensitivity that may otherwise send you cringing when you eat or drink something cold.

The temporary crown can be made from a number of materials, including a type of acrylic-based material that is molded to the shape of your tooth and bite. The interim crown is set in place using a temporary adhesive that’ll make it easy to remove the temporary at your return visit to your dentist in Parker CO. If all goes smoothly, the temporary crown should stay in place until your next visit. 

If Your Temporary Crown Falls Out 

There is a possibility that your crown can falls out or breaks before your next scheduled appointment. This is often seen with molars and premolars as they incur much more force when you are chewing. Even if you do keep your meals to soft-to-chew food, it’s still possible for the crown to break free.

If you have some time to wait before your next appointment, take these steps to avoid pain and also keep your mouth and teeth safe:

  • Remove the crown or any broken pieces from your mouth
  • Rinse out your mouth with warm water so that you can remove any sharp pieces remaining in your mouth
  • Examine the now-exposed tooth and see if there are any jagged edges that you may inadvertently cut your tongue or inside of your cheek
  • Call the best dentist in Parker and explain the situation to us in full detail. We may offer some instructions to get you through to the next available appointment.
  • Return to the office when possible, to have another replacement crown placed, or have the temporary crown bonded back if it is not damaged. 

We asked our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about his suggestions when your temporary crown falls out. Dr. Kacos says, “Be very careful with the new temporary crown until your permanent crown is ready to be placed. Avoid directly chewing on the interim restoration, and do not floss between the crown and your other teeth. This could accidentally tug on the temporary crown and lead to it coming out all over again.”

It’s not a huge deal if the temporary does break loose before your permanent crown is ready. It can just expose you to the potential for some sensitivity and discomfort until the restored tooth has been covered once again. Follow these helpful tips and get in touch with our dental office in Parker, CO. We are here to keep you smiling. Whether you’re looking for dental implants in Parker, CO, or looking for other smile restoration solutions, we have options to help you meet your dental goals.