So, your child has an appointment with the pediatric dentist, eh?

It is one thing to have to prepare your child to go to the dentist.

But have you prepared yourself?

Many parents don’t realize that they may be faced with some sudden and tough decisions to make at that visit.

Get yourself geared up and ready to respond to what the dentist may end up telling you!

If you prepare yourself now, then you may be very glad that you took the time to do so!

1. Think of Everything Imaginable!

I know that you already have enough thoughts going on in your head!

As a parent, we don’t know what it is like to have an empty mind!

But you should prepare yourself by imagining any negative news that the dentist may give you.

Why?

Because it is likely that there will be something negative about the visit.

And, if not at this visit, then in future ones!

Whether it is that your child needs to brush better or your child has 8 cavities…

You need to think about how you are going to respond to any and all of it!

What if your child needs 5 crowns put on?

Don’t blow this thought off!

It is quite common for pediatric dentists to recommend several crowns on a child’s teeth these days!

The trend in the pediatric dental world lately is an aggressive, preventative approach, even if unnecessary.

How about a root canal?

Yup.

That’s not out of the question either!

Think of every horrible piece of news the dentist could possibly deliver to you after examining your child’s teeth.

Then move on to the next step.

2. Plan for the Imaginable.

You have it in your head now that your child may need root canals, crowns, extractions, etc.

Now what?

Plan for it.

What are you going to say to the dentist when he tells you that?

Are you going to say, “Ok, do what you need to do!”

Or…

Are you going to say, “Show me the x-rays where you see these supposed problem areas.”

Or….

Are you going to say, “Thanks for that, but I am going to go get a second opinion.”

I am not going to tell you the right answer here.

Only you can figure that one out!

If it is a dentist that you know and love and trust, then the first choice may just be your answer.

If you’re a big advocate for your child, then the second and third may be your answer.

Regardless, you need to think about this in case it occurs.

And it just may very well.

If not this visit, then more than likely in future dental visits.

3. Ask Questions

Ask questions.

If the dentist tells you that your child needs a root canal, ask about it!

Ask why and what makes him think that way.

Ask to see the x-rays.

Even ask how on earth your child could need a root canal at his young age!

Many parents are afraid to ask questions and just sort of give the green light without hesitation.

Don’t do that!

You are your child’s parent and ultimate protector!

You need to inquire for more information so that you can make the best decision possible for your little one.

And be on the lookout for the dentist’s reactions as you ask questions!

A good dentist won’t mind answering any and all of your questions.

A good dentist will provide good responses and should be able to provide demonstrations in order to help you to understand.

But!

If the dentist seems annoyed by your questions….

Or is pushing you to agree to the dental work immediately…

Then those could be some red flags!

So be aware of the dentist’s reactions and behaviors during the appointment.

4. Be Prepared to Sign Paperwork

If the dentist gives bad news, be prepared to sign paperwork!

If you give permission for the dentist to do any dental work, then you’ll need to sign paperwork.

Even if you decide to go off and get a second opinion, you may be confronted with paperwork this way, too.

Never.

Ever.

Ever.

Are you reading this and reading it well?

Good.

Never.

Ever!

Sign anything that you have not thoroughly read yet!

If the office staff hands you paperwork, tell them that you need time to look it over before signing.

And then sit down and review it before you sign.

Don’t just scribble your John Hancock all over and hand it back!

Even if they are pressuring you, be adamant about reading it first!

Make certain that you are comfortable with what you are agreeing to for your child.

5. Stay in the Room!

I don’t care what the dentist’s policy is!

You stay in the room with your child.

There are offices that do not allow parents back into the exam room with the child.

They claim that the child will behave better if the parents are not there.

This is a no-no!

Don’t ever agree to that!

Ever!

When your child is called back, you go back with your child.

If the office gives you a hard time about it, walk out and find another dentist!

Often times, if you have agreed to let the dentist extract a tooth or do a filling, they will want you to leave the room.

Stay.

There’s no reason that you can’t stand in the back and out of the way while the dentist performs the treatment.

Or stand in the doorway, but where you can still observe.

But stay.

No matter what.

6. Get a Second Opinion

So, the dentist gave you some bad news.

For instance, the dentist says that your child needs 7 caps (a.k.a. crowns).

Don’t be afraid to go and get another opinion.

And when you do, don’t tell the next dentist what the first dentist recommends.

Take copies of the x-rays to the second dentist and say the following:

“I would just like you to take a look at these and tell me what you think.”

If the second dentist asks what the original dentist’s recommendations are, you ask for his opinion first.

Why is this important?

Because if you go to the second dentist and tell him what the first dentist said then that could ruin your second opinion.

You want this second dentist to look at everything objectively.

No bias.

It may be very possible that your child does not need 7 caps.

If you plant that idea in the new dentist’s mind, then he may very well agree with the first one.

So, keep what you say to a minimum until you hear what the second dentist says!

And if you need help finding another dentist, don’t hesitate to ask family and friends!

They may really like their pediatric dentist!

And, often times, good dentists will come highly recommended!

Now You’re Ready!

You’ve imagined every bad piece of news that you could possibly get from the pediatric dentist.

You’ve planned on how you would handle such news.

You’re a smart parent and plan to ask the dentist plenty of questions!

If you need to sign some paperwork, you know to take the extra time to read through it first!

And, under no circumstances, will you leave your child alone in the room!

Second opinions are priceless!

Get one!

And don’t forget to ask friends and family about their experiences with their own pediatric dentists!

They may steer you to a really great dentist that you and your child may love!

Bring it on, pediatric dentist!

This mama can handle any news you throw this way!

 

How do you prepare for your child’s dental visits?

Feel free to share in the comments section below!