Behavior Management
Behavior Management Techniques
Dental visits can be scary for children unfamiliar with the environment. That's why we encourage parents to bring their children in regularly for cleanings and exams so that they may become comfortable in their Dental Home. But sometimes children are still anxious, and that is where Behavior Management Techniques come into play. In addition to having a playful and gentle demeanor and tone, we like to avoid using scary language and words infront of the children, such as, "needle", "shots", "pulling out teeth", "drilling". We also like to use a "Tell-Show-Do" method, where we tell and explain what we are going to do, show or demostrate on a model or their finger, and then do the procedure. This allows the child (and even adults!) to understand, accept, and establishes a rapport. What we fear the most is what we don't know or understand, and this helps children overcome that fear. Dr. Lac and her assistant also closely monitors your child and how they respond and react, so that they may adjust their technique according to your child's needs. With every patient, Dr. Lac allows them to ask questions, and establishes a hand signal if they need a break or need to stop for any reason, putting the control back with the patient.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide, laughing gas, or nitrous, is a blend of nitrogen and oxygen gas used to relax patients for their dental treatment. Nitrous is safe, effective, and has no lingering side effects, helping your child relax while remaining fully conscious. They keep all their natural reflexes and children can respond to questions or requests from our trained and licensed staff if necessary. It is easily breathed in through a small, scented breathing mask placed over the nose. After treatment, nitrous is eliminated after a short period of breathing oxygen. Though nitrous is very safe, our policy is to recommend nitrous only to children when needed to calm their anxiety or to ease their gag reflex.
Nitrous is safe and effective, but occasionally may cause nausea in some children. To prevent vomiting, please try give your child little or no food in the two hours prior to their dental appointment.
See AAPD's brochure on Nitrous Oxide