Dental Phobias

Updated on March 01, 2007
B.L. asks from Santa Cruz, CA
8 answers

My son is afraid he can't breathe when the dentist puts the airtubes and other things in his mouth. He thinks he is going to choke. He is usually cooperative, but his fear kicks in and he cannot help crying. I dont' want to knock him out during the visit. He has 5 cavities in only baby teeth.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.W.

answers from San Francisco on

Find another dentist. My daughter used to throw-up everytime we went to the dentist. After my 3rd try and explaining the problem - we finally found one that was patient enough to give her the time and accomodations she needed.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

My 7 yr. old daughter also has several cavities and has a dental phobia. The dentist wanted to completely put her to sleep with an anesthesiologist. I refused. They are all her baby teeth so I hope they'll just fall out on their own. They did have to pull one because she got an infection in one of them. They did that by straping her down. Awful, but she survived. Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hello Barara,

I think you might have to go to a dentist who only specailize with children and he might have to be put to sleep so a Dentist can fix his baby teeth. I went to a Dentist is Yuciapa his name is Dr. Pete Jimenez and he is wonderful. I just took my 4 yr. old to him to have extensive work done and the Dentist completed the job in 2 visits. No body likes to go to the Dentist especially if you have had a horriable experience. See if that works for you. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

B.,

Im not sure where you are at, but I take my kids to Dr. Carson in Oxnard. He does great with kids. Also, I use a shot that makes it so my kids dont remember the visit. Im not sure what it is called, Im sure your dentist could tell you. But it does not "knock out" the kids, they are awake, they just dont remember. It is a great tool for small kids so that they dont devolp dentist phobias.

hope that helps.
J.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.K.

answers from Las Vegas on

try giving him the nitros gas. Insurance doesn't usually cover it, it's about 100$. Its worth it though, the dentist will be able to work and your son will be happy.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.S.

answers from San Diego on

Hello,
You have no idea how familiar I am with your situation. I have a 4 year old son who has 5 cavities that we know of. It is so hard to get the X-rays because he says it chokes him. He is going to the dentist on Wednesday to have them filled and the dentist is going to use an oral sedation, which does not knock him out but makes him feel sleepy and happy. He is aware of what is going on but completely relaxed. This is the alternative for putting him to sleep completely. I have heard really great things about it and if you want I can update you later this week after it is all done. You just have to find a pedodontist that will do it. I hope this helps. We had to go to over 10 dentist for my son to finally sit through an exam. Much luck to you. D.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

I.P.

answers from Stockton on

my son just turned 5. When he was smaller he fell and chiped his 2 front teeth so when time passed it got worst so that's why I took him, they found 11 cavities,yeah alot well the dentist recommened to put him to sleep, but it was a long waiting list, so I did'nt they strap him down and worked on his teeth he cried the first time,2nd visit he didn't want to go at all, what I did was talk to him on the way over there and try to comfort him, he cried a little but not like the first time. All you can do is comfort him and talk to him and asure him that it's going to be ok. I hope it works out for you.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Dear B.,
I work in a dentaloffice and I also have two boys who use to be afraid of dentist too. My boys usually would have to go under oral consious sedation but now they are no longer afraid because the doctor is a very nice person and let's them know that he has to get rid of the sugar worms. Let your son know that everything will be fine and let him go in the room by himself. Children tend to act up when parents are with them in the room. Sometimes the oral sedation is better, less traumatizing for the child and they are not put completly to sleep. Godd luck!

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches