Patient Comfort and Office Environment

Office Environment

Dr. Richardson’s office was designed for infants, children and teens. From the arcade games in the waiting room to the life-sized wall murals, kids feel right at home. It’s a unique safari-themed atmosphere that helps children relax and enjoy their experience. Children deserve to experience a gentle, caring approach to their dental care.

Psychology

Our goal is to help your child grow into an adult who routinely and comfortably seeks dental care. This often requires extra time with your child, distraction through many of our child friendly amenities, or in some cases the use of appropriate sedatives. It is very important to discuss with Dr. Richardson any bad experiences or fears your child may have in order to provide the best possible care for your child.

Nitrous Oxide

Dr. Richardson offers nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for the slightly anxious child. Nitrous oxide helps a child who is cooperative but worried about various aspects of their appointment. It helps alleviate anxiety about having instruments placed in the mouth. Nitrous oxide isn’t for everyone, however. It requires a certain amount of cooperation from the child, as they are required to breathe only through a plastic apparatus placed over their nose. If the child is too young or too anxious to sit in a chair and breathe through a nose-piece, nitrous oxide is not an option.

Nitrous oxide is an extremely safe sedation option. When your child is breathing nitrous oxide they are receiving more oxygen than they are getting in room air!

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation is offered to the anxious, the fearful or the very young patient. It is a management technique that uses medications to assist the child to cope with fear and anxiety.

“Sedation is safe when administered by a trained pediatric dentist who follows the sedation guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry” (AAPD). Dr Richardson will discuss sedation options and will discuss specific post-sedation instructions with you, including appropriate diet, physical activity, and requested supervision.

Hospital Dentistry

Some children are so anxious or fearful that it is not possible to safely provide dental care in the office. Very young patients who need lots of dental work are also candidates for the Hospital. Dr. Richardson will discuss if going to the Hospital or Surgical center is appropriate for you child.

Sedation (Pre- and Post-Care Instructions)

Your child should have nothing to eat or drink four hours before the sedation appointment. This is extremely important to the health and safety of your child.

Eating After the Appointment

Start by giving your child water or apple juice after the appointment when they request it.

If your child can tolerate the apple juice, move to soft foods such as yogurt, pudding, etc. Gradually increase to normal foods as they are able to tolerate it.

Sleeping

Your child will likely go home and take a nap after sedation. This is normal. Place them on their side. Do not leave your child unattended, or place anything (such as gauze) in their mouth while they are sleeping.

Activity

It is best that your child rest for the remainder of the day. Watching videos at home is an excellent idea. Some children may not feel up to normal play and may seem "hung over" from the medications. Encourage clear liquids to help clear the medication from their system. Remember, your child is not as awake as they think they are. Avoid swimming, biking, vigorous activity for the remainder of the day. Your child may resume normal activity the day after their appointment.

Extractions - Post Treatment

Bleeding

Most of the bleeding should have subsided by the time you leave the office. It is important to keep pressure on the extraction area for about 10 minutes after the appointment. This can be done with the gauze provided when you left the office. If the site begins to bleed again, have the child bite on wet gauze or a tea bag for 10 minutes.

Swelling

Swelling of the lip after an extraction is most likely due to your child biting the lip. Call to make an appointment to evaluate the severity of the swelling. If the swelling is rapidly progressing call us as soon as possible.

Lip Biting After Treatment

Often children will bite themselves in the area they were anesthetized without realizing it. The area can become quite swollen and painful. Your child will need to remain on a soft diet until the area heals to avoid re-injuring themselves. Give Children’s Motrin/Tylenol as needed for the pain.

Children deserve to experience a gentle, caring approach to their dental care. A positive dental experience will help them build confidence and knowledge, setting a great precedent for their future dental health. Your child will always be grateful for the gift of a beautiful, healthy smile.