Terminology

PARENT GUIDELINES

In order to improve the chances of your child having a positive experience in our office, we are selective in our use of words. We try to avoid words that scare the child. Please support us by NOT USING negative words that are often used for dental care. These include:

This will also help you understand your child’s preception of the filling experience. Our intention is not to “fool” the child—it is to create an experience that is positive. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us build a good attitude for your child!

TREATMENT APPOINTMENTS

You may choose whether or not you accompany your child to his/her filling appointment. Although we sense that some children do better without parents present, we are open to having you with your child. If you choose to be present,
we suggest the following guidelines to improve chances of a positive outcome.
Prepare your child with the following:

1. Be supportive of the practice’s terminology

2. Please be a silent observer – - support your child with touches

A. This allows us to maintain communication with your child

B. Children will normally listen to their parents instead of us and may not listen to our guidance

C. You might give incorrect or misleading information

1. If asked to leave, be ready to immediately walk away

A. Many children will try to control the situation

B. “Acting out” is normal, but unacceptable during fillings

C. This is intended to “short circuit” the control attempt

D. We will continue to support your child at all times

These are very important ways that you can actively help in the success of your child’s visit. We are confident that all will go well and hope these guidelines will help prepare you with confidence for the upcoming appointment.

SEDATION METHODS

ORAL SEDATION

Meperidine (Demerol), promethazine (Phenegran), and Chloral Hydrate together make a great mild sedative to help an apprehensive child, age 4 and older. This combination of drugs, along with nitrous-oxide, relieves pain, causes drowsiness and usually helps a child relax. It does not, however, force a child to sleep. An orally sedated child will not cooperate if he or she doesn’t want to. A child that fusses through a routine cleaning, while getting x-rays, or for an oral examination will likely still fuss when orally sedated. If a child does not cooperate it is necessary to use a restraining device (papoose board).

The fee is $95.00

Most dental insurance companies do not cover oral sedation fees.

IV SEDATION

Intravenous sedation with the drugs ketamine and versed is a safe and effective
method of deep sedation for a nervous or uncooperative child. An anesthetist comes to our office two Monday mornings each month to do this for us. The anesthetist charges $300 first 60 minutes and $75 for every 15 minute increments. Treatment usually takes about 1 hour and there is a ½ hour in office recovery period, making the total anesthesia fee about $450.00. You can contact your dental insurance to see if this is a reimbursable benefit. There is a $100.00 deposit, which is used to help pay the anesthesia costs, to schedule the appointment.

NITROUS OXIDE (laughing gas)

For use with an older, slightly apprehensive or nervous child. This is a very mild analgesic used just to relax and reduce anxiety. Usually less dental work can be done than with the use of Oral Sedation.

The fee is $25 per visit

GENERAL ANESTHESIA

General anesthesia is only done at an out-patient facility, surgical center, or operating room. If you want your child to be asleep during treatment this is also a safe and effective method. But, this option is expensive. Customary fees are around $3000.00. This is a medical procedure and is covered by some medical insurance plans. Call your medical insurance company to find out your child’s benefits.

We have one or two Fridays of each month available for scheduling general anesthesia at Alta View Hospital or South Towne Surgical Center. Dr. Stark has one share of stock at South Towne Surgical Center.