Pediatric Oral Surgery: Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Posted on 7/1/2024 by Weo Admin
Pediatric oral surgery is a critical specialty in dentistry, catering to infants, children, and adolescents. While they offer similar services to regular oral surgeons, pediatric oral surgeons encounter distinct challenges due to the unique needs of young patients. Here are three common obstacles they typically encounter when administering their services and how they overcome them to ensure optimal outcomes.
Patient Fear and Anxiety
Children often experience significant anxiety and fear during admission. This restlessness and worry can be further exacerbated by the unfamiliar, usually sterile environment of the dental office. Upon entering the practice, your child should see a welcoming and child-friendly environment, as this is the best way to combat these anxieties. Hopefully, the dental practice will be decorated with bright colors and vibrant artwork or provide toys and games in the waiting areas to keep children engaged and help them relax. Positive reinforcement, such as praise and small rewards during and after procedures, can also encourage cooperation and improve their experience.
Communication Barriers
Young children typically have limited comprehension, which makes it challenging to explain procedures and gain trust. Luckily, the issue can be solved using age-appropriate language and visuals to help them understand what to expect. The surgeon should avoid complicated medical jargon in favor of terms that are simple to understand. Communicating the procedure this way before the surgery can also ease the minds of your child.
Behavioral Challenges
Children, especially those with special needs, can exhibit uncooperative behavior. As such, it can be challenging to perform oral procedures safely and effectively. Cheerful videos or storytelling during the procedure can divert their attention, allowing them to settle down and relax. Rewarding cooperative behavior with praise or small rewards can also encourage compliance.
Oral Surgeon Gilroy • About South Valley Oral & Facial Surgery We believe your smile is a work of art; it deserves as much care and attention as any masterpiece. Give us a call in San Jose, Gilroy or Los Banos today! South Valley Oral and Facial Surgery, 5595 Winfield Blvd, Suite 202, San Jose, CA 95123-1220 \ 408-479-9449 \ svofs.com \ 12/1/2024 \ Key Phrases: dental implants San Jose CA \