Tooth root infections, excessive decay and large fillings can all lead to the need for a crown on your child's tooth. Temporary dental crowns on primary teeth do not take as long to put on as permanent adult crowns do. Despite the quick and easy process, your child may feel apprehensive about the upcoming crown installation appointment. Thankfully, you can help ease your kid's fears and promote comfort before, during and after the appointment with the following tips.
Discuss the Process
You can eliminate a lot of your child's fear and apprehension by discussing the crown installation process in detail. Using age appropriate language and ideas, tell your child about the way the dentist will prep the tooth, attach the crown and finish up the procedure. If possible, do not clue your child in about the anesthetic shot. Instead, if your child benefits from having all of the information up front, let him or her know there will be a tiny pinch before the gums and cheeks go completely numb for the rest of the procedure.
Act Nonchalant
Nonchalance helps kids accept the crown installation procedure as a normal part of life. You must hide your nervousness and avoid making a big spectacle of the appointment. Too much fanfare can actually make kids feel even more nervous about the upcoming procedure. Therefore, it is wise to wait until after the appointment to praise your child's bravery and willingness to cooperate with the dentist.
Bring Distractions
Your dentist may already have movies, music and toys to keep their pediatric patients entertained during the appointment. Even so, kids enjoy bringing in their own electronics to show their dentist and enjoy throughout the procedure. For some kids, an MP3 player full of their favorite songs can inspire relaxation that lasts throughout the entire appointment. Younger kids may appreciate the chance to keep their favorite action figure, doll or stuffed animal nearby as a source of comfort.
Treat Remaining Pain
After receiving the dental crown, your child's mouth may remain numb for several hours. Watch your child carefully to prevent him or her from chewing on the cheeks or lips, as that action could cause a painful ulcer to develop. Once the numbness wears off, your child may feel ongoing pain for a day or so longer. Over the counter medications, especially anti-inflammatory substances, will likely help keep pain levels down. If pain levels continue to escalate, take your child back into the dentist to check for complications and create a suitable pain management plan.
Applying the above tips can help your child get through the procedure without overwhelming anxiety causing long lasting fears. After the appointment, talk with your child about the process to identify any other ways you could help him or her cope with subsequent dental procedures. Talk to a dentist, like Michael J Tisdelle DDS, to gain a better understanding of what to expect during your child's dental crown appointment.
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