YOUR FIRST VISIT

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that you visit a pediatric dentist no later than your baby’s first birthday. At Coastal Kids Dental we make this first visit a fun, easy experience for you and your child.  The first visit introduces your child to our office and allows us to begin to develop a relationship with them. This visit also gives us an opportunity to educate you on how to prevent cavities and other dental problems in your child. 

Coastal Kids Dental does not charge for well checks for children under 18 months of age.

Before the first visit, please speak positively about going to the dentist with your child. If you are nervous and worried about the appointment, they will sense this and feel the same way.  Please avoid using words such as “hurt”, “shot”, “needle”, and “pull”.  Try and reassure your child that the trip to the dentist is a positive experience that is a part of growing up.

During the initial appointment, we encourage parents to come back with their child.  This enables the staff and Dr. Isabel to teach the parents brushing/flossing techniques and to discuss any dental issues directly.  If a follow-up appointment for fillings is necessary, we encourage children over 3 years of age to come back on their own.  We find that this builds independence and trust for the child and also enables us to better focus on your child. In some situations, a parent’s presence is helpful, in which case you will be asked to join us in the operatory.  We want to do whatever makes your child’s appointment the most successful.

Also, keep in mind that if your child is scared and crying, this is okay.  We specialize in dealing with these situations and will work on developing a special relationship with your child, even if it takes more than one appointment. 

E-Forms

To help make your first visit as smooth as possible please visit the link to our secure server to complete your Health History and Personal Information prior to your visit.

SEdation

Nitrous Oxide Sedation
 Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas”, is a safe and predictable sedative. It is administered nasally with oxygen to relax the patient and to help them be more receptive to the procedures. The child is not “put to sleep” but remains totally conscious and reactive. The flavored nosepiece also acts as a visual deterrent to hide any syringes or dental tools that might be “scary” if seen. The risk of complications is rare and its sedative effects are gone within three to five minutes after its use has been discontinued.

Conscious Sedation
Conscious sedation is a form of sedation in which liquid medications are used to relax a fearful, apprehensive patient. This is used for children who may be too young to sit through a lengthy procedure, have extensive decay or who are extremely apprehensive. At the initial appointment, pre-sedation instructions and a consent form will be reviewed. At the operative appointment, a liquid medicine is given 15 to 60 minutes prior to the procedure. After the medicine has taken effect, the child is placed on monitors so that we are able to monitor oxygen saturation and blood pressure. The child may be a little sleepy but will not be completely asleep. The goal of the sedation is to relax the child enough to be able to complete treatment. The procedure will normally last 30 minutes to an hour.  Afterwards, there are post-sedation instructions that will be reviewed with the parent prior to dismissal.

General Anesthesia (Hospital Dentistry)
Another form of sedation is general anesthesia. As a part of the Trident Medical Staff, Dr. Isabel has the ability to take patients for outpatient surgery to have all of their dental work completed at one time. This is for patients who are young and have extensive work, are extremely apprehensive or fearful, or have special needs. It is an outpatient procedure that allows the child to have the surgery and go home the same day. Prior to scheduling an OR appointment, advantages, disadvantages, and all options are presented to the parents. OR instructions and consent forms are thoroughly reviewed. The parent will then be responsible for scheduling an appointment with the child’s pediatrician to ensure there are no medical concerns or contraindications to general anesthesia. After the procedure has been completed, post-op instructions will be reviewed with the parents.