Taking your child to any dental appointment can be nerve-wracking, but when it’s a visit for oral surgery, the stress can feel even more intense for all parties involved. Whether it’s for a tooth extraction, trauma-related care, or a procedure to support a specialized orthodontic treatment, children often need extra support and preparation.
At the Krupp Center, we specialize in oral surgery for patients of all ages, including children who have been referred by their pediatric dentist for specific needs. While we’re not a general pediatric dental provider, we understand how important it is to create a calm, supportive experience when specialty dentistry for children in Towson is required.
If your child has been referred to us, read on for expert tips on preparing them for a stress-free oral surgery appointment.
Help Your Child Understand What to Expect
It’s completely normal for there to be a little anxiety about things we don’t understand, and a lot of anxiety children may have about surgery comes from not understanding it. As a parent, it’s helpful to explain the purpose of the procedure. Let them know it will keep their teeth healthy and prevent future problems.
We don’t expect you to do all the explaining, though. Our oral surgeons will explain the procedure to your child during the consultation process. Understanding the surgery and what to expect helps children feel less scared, reducing anxiety and making the experience more manageable.
Prepare Your Child at Home and Use Positive Language
Explain surgery expectations to your child in a simple, positive way so they feel prepared and less anxious. Phrases like “the dentist will fix your broken teeth so all your other teeth stay strong and healthy” can help to build a positive mindset.
It’s important to avoid words like “pain,” “hurt,” or “needles” when describing a procedure. These words will stick with the child and often lead to further anxiety surrounding an unfamiliar experience.
Bring a Comfort Item and Stay Supportive
We recommend letting your child bring their “comfort item” along with them to the procedure. This can be their favorite stuffed animal, a soft blanket, or a well-loved toy. Comfort items like these are familiar to the child and offer a sense of reassurance in an unfamiliar setting.
Along with this, it’s important for the parent to stay positive and supportive. Children can often pick up on parental anxiety, so maintaining a positive attitude throughout the entire process—from the drive to the office to the drive home—is key.
Reward Their Bravery
Positive reinforcement goes a long way towards building a child’s confidence for future dentistry procedures. Before their surgery, continue to encourage them. Emphasize how important it is to be brave and cooperative during the procedure.
After the appointment is over, and once they have recovered (if needed), offer a small reward. Try a fun outing, like going to the park or picking out a small toy at the store.
Rewards like this can help create a positive association with dental procedures. They reinforce that keeping teeth healthy is rewarding.
Setting the Stage for Healthy Smiles
Creating a positive experience around oral surgery helps set the tone for future dental and healthcare visits, and finding the perfect spot for dentistry for children in Towson should always be a top priority!
At the Krupp Center, we strive to make surgical care as stress-free and supportive as possible for both kids and their parents. If your child has been referred to us, we’re here to help in any way we can.
Contact our office to learn more or to schedule a consultation with a referral.
