Behavior Guidance
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of a great pediatric dentist is the ability to create an environment where both you and your child feel comfortable. As you well know, every child is unique in how they are able to process fear and discomfort and let’s face it, most adults struggle at least a little when it comes to going to the dentist so why wouldn’t your child? Especially if they have had bad experiences in the past, this can feel like a daunting task to most parents let alone the child. With most children however, behavior guidance can be an extremely effective tool in helping them to relax and go with the flow. Our pediatric dentists in Indianapolis and West Lafayette are highly trained and experienced in working with the psychological nature of children, including those that may have been diagnosed with neurodevelopment disorders such as autism or other physical disabilities. Rest assured our children’s dentists and pediatric dental professionals work diligently to meet every child at their own level in hopes of creating a pediatric dental experience that is actually enjoyable! In order to accomplish the best pediatric dental experience possible for your child, our kid’s dentist and team of pediatric dental specialists in Indianapolis and West Lafayette have created a solid foundation for behavioral guidance success!
First and foremost, we welcome parents!
There is no one more familiar to YOUR child than YOU, which is why we encourage you to accompany them during their visit. Your presence with them is paramount in helping them feel at ease and we will do our best to interact with both of you so they feel like we are all in this together.
Our kid-focused team
Time after time, our patients tell us that our AMAZING TEAM is what sets us apart from other kid’s dentists in Indianapolis and West Lafayette. With over 150 years of experience at each office, every team member has a unique ability to make your child feel comfortable. They take great care to ensure each appointment is a special one. Whether it be during check-in or for a complex procedure, our team’s #1 priority is to make a significant impact on the lives of our patients. It is these deeper relationships that differentiate our office and why our amazing team is second to none.
Our Specialized offices
A traditional dental office environment can overwhelm even the bravest children (and even adults). Our office caters to your child and we have put significant effort into creating a comfortable environment. From the bright colors and playful imagery to our basketball room and train station, our goal is to put your child (and you) at ease. We know the dentist can be stressful, but it is our goal to make the experience an enjoyable one!
Moderate Conscious Sedation:
This level of sedation can help increase cooperation and reduce anxiety associated with dental treatment. Various medications can be used to sedate a child. Medications will be selected based upon a child’s overall health, level of anxiety and dental treatment recommendations.
OR (also referred to as out-patient hospital operating room under general anesthesia):
This approach is ideal for children with extreme dental fear, uncooperative tendencies and physical/mental special needs. This method, which is done in a hospital setting, puts a child into a state of controlled unconsciousness where they will be completely unaware of treatment and have no memory of it afterward. This team approach allows us to work with the best in the field of anesthesia to safely provide care for our most sensitive patients.
No Restraint
One thing you can be sure of is that we DO NOT believe in restraining your child as this will cause even more anxiety! Below ARE some great tools we have access to that WE DO believe can be very helpful:
Positive Reinforcement
Either with a big smile, verbal praise or a high five, our pediatric dentists and dental specialists are firm believers in guiding children to appropriate behaviors. Highlighting good behavior and celebrating even the smallest successes are are vital to future success at the dentist.
Providing Options
Our kid’s dentist offices in Indianapolis and West Lafayette pride themselves in making your child (and you) feel comfortable. From picking out their favorite toothbrush to deciding whether to sit in the chair or your lap for their appointment, we always adapt to what makes your child most at ease. Allowing your child the opportunity to make simple decisions lets them have some control and ultimately decreases their anxiety.
Modeling
Some pediatric dental patients feel more comfortable by watching others do the same procedure that they are about to experience. Older children or siblings sometimes serve as a great example for younger patients to watch and realize how easy a procedure may be. Sometimes our pediatric dentists will even go so far as to give their little baby doll or favorite stuffed animal a check-up!
Tell-Show-Do
Our pediatric dentists most common technique is to explain in simple words exactly what they are going to do, show them through modeling, then perform the procedure as described. We have found this to be very comforting for most children and adults.
Voice Control
All of our our pediatric dentists and dental specialists take extra care to maintain a quiet, calm and precise tone of voice. We have found this to be extremely helpful no matter how anxious the child, and sometimes the parent becomes. Maintaining voice control that is steady and language that is calming and soothing does wonders in nearly every situation.
If all else fails have no fear because we still have options!
If for any reason all the above just doesn’t quite do the trick, we have two options with the second being visually fail safe. The most important thing you can do as a parent is to be patient with our pediatric dentists and remain calm if your child is struggling as our team of highly trained and experienced pediatric dental specialists have seen it all. Rest assured we will be able to minimize you child’s fears one way or the the other through the following 2 methods:
Nitrous Oxide (commonly known as Laughing Gas):
This is a blend of two gasses: oxygen & nitrous oxide. When inhaled, it is absorbed by the body and has a calming effect. Your child will remain conscious and alert throughout the procedure, yet they will experience a sense of well-being and relaxation and be less worried about the sights, sounds, and sensations associated with dental treatment. Nitrous oxide is one of the safest sedation options in dentistry and is quickly eliminated from the body by normal breathing.
OR (also referred to as out-patient hospital operating room under general anesthesia):
This approach is ideal for children with extreme dental fear, uncooperative tendencies and physical/mental special needs. This method, which is done in a hospital setting, puts a child into a state of controlled unconsciousness where they will be completely unaware of treatment and have no memory of it afterward. This team approach allows us to work with the best in the field of anesthesia to safely provide care for our most sensitive patients.
