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Preparing For Your Child’s Tooth Extraction

While it’s our goal for your child to keep all their baby teeth until they naturally fall out, there are certain situations where our dentists find it best to remove a tooth. If there’s so much tooth decay that it can’t be repaired, if baby teeth are getting in the way of orthodontic alignment, or if there’s some sort of other issue that would be solved by removing the tooth, then it’s the route that’s usually taken. Following are ways you can ensure your child will have the best possible experience.

Talk With Them Openly

If a child is in an unexpected situation or has to deal with something they didn’t previously know would happen, they’re most likely to react with fear. If your child knows exactly what to expect when coming to their extraction appointment, there’s much less of a chance they’ll be scared or surprised. Do some research on tooth extraction or give us a call so you know exactly what to expect. Our staff is more than happy to explain exactly how the procedure works.

Focus on the Positives

While you should be honest about what will happen on the day of the procedure, it’s also important to focus on the positive aspects of getting their tooth removed. Talk to them about how they will have a perfectly beautiful smile and they won’t have a “sad” tooth in their mouth anymore. Perhaps say the tooth fairy gives extra rewards for pulled teeth, or promise them ice cream after the procedure.

Prepare for After the Procedure

Your child will have an easier time dealing with getting a tooth pulled when they know they’ll be taken care of afterward. Although getting a baby tooth removed doesn’t usually come with complications, your child may experience some mild swelling or discomfort. This can easily be managed with over-the-counter painkillers and applying an ice pack to the face.

Getting an adult tooth pulled usually involves more careful after-care, including leaving in gauze and ensuring no blood clots come out prematurely, and the possibility of pain and swelling that lasts a little longer. However, having a plan in place and relaying it to your child will help them know they’re in good hands.

Take Them to an Experienced Children’s Dentistry in Fort Worth

The best way to ensure your child has a positive experience when getting a tooth extraction is to take them to a dentist that is geared toward working with kids. At Rio Dental & Orthodontics, all of our staff members love helping children and go the extra mile to make them feel comfortable at all times. For quality pediatric dentistry in Fort Worth, give us a call today!

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You can play a part in preparing your child for his or her first visit to our office. Informing your child of the visit as an exciting experience for both of you can ease any hesitations. As a parent try to act relaxed, since your child may sense any anxiety on your part.

Explain to your child that the doctor will “count, brush, and maybe take pictures of their teeth”. We also ask that you assume the role of a silent observer. Cooperation and trust must be established directly between the doctor, staff, and your child and not through you. Your child may become confused if receiving instructions from multiple sources.

We recommend bringing your baby in for their first dental appointment by their first birthday, or within 6 months of their first tooth appearing (whichever comes first). During this appointment, we will examine your baby’s mouth to track their dental development and discuss age-appropriate dental care.

It’s easy to make appointments to visit our office online or over the phone. Rio Dental sees patients both for checkups and dental emergencies. Using our online scheduler, you can select the location and time slot that works best for you for either type of appointment. If you have any questions regarding our practice, or simply prefer to make your appointment with a live member of staff, please don’t hesitate to call!

Rio Dental Group accepts most PPO insurances. We recommend that new patients and returning patients with new insurance policies reach out to us before their appointment to confirm coverage. Our Fort Worth location also sees patients who are covered by Medicaid and CHIP programs.

We don’t like surprises, either! Our staff is prepared to discuss the cost of dental services before you undergo treatment so that you know what to expect in terms of fees. The cost of your services will be due at the end of your appointment. Our office accepts payment by cash, credit card, or check.

Rio Dental Group allows patients to pay with their CareCredit card. CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed to cover out-of-pocket costs at over 225,000 providers nationwide. After leaving the office, card holders will be able to make convenient monthly payments towards their balance. To learn more, visit the CareCredit website.

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