Dentist? | Autism PDD
pangle We Play dentists for a few days before visiting the dentist. I
have a mirror with a handle like the dentist has. We use a gasslift office
chair layed back, a lamp, sunglasses and sometimes a gauze mask. We
take it in turns to be the dentist and count the other's teeth. We count
teddys teeth ect. We also have had adults first kids second appointments,
with the kids watching Mummys turm, Daddy's turn, Sam's turn. It has
helped, but I appreciate this is a technique that doesn't work for every
one.
tmb11/29 Imogen (NT) had to have oral surgery at around 2 years
old. She was anesthetised in my arms. It was really yucky 
but I was
calm while she breathed deeply through the mask...
she was well trained to do that from useing ventolin with a mask and
spacer for her asthma... I breathed deeply with her, then they took her
from my arms, I left the theatre, and the surgery was performed. The
yuckyest bit was waiting for her to come out of surgery. I felt very lost
and left to my own devices. A suport person for you would be a very good
idea during this part of what will no doubt be a long day.
you need to be okay to support your son as he recovers from the
anesthesia. Recovery can be very dissorienting, so he needs you to have it
together at this stage. I would get your dentist to do every bit of
preventative maintenace done at this time that he possible can. Get the
molars sealed (fissures sealed) so they can't go on to decay. etc. Get
those teeth looked after real good now to minimise problems for the
future. I'd also make sure that the hospital is very well informed about
the particular challenges of young autistic patients, so that the whole
experience can be as low stress as possible. Good luck. You can get
through it.
Hi Pangle: I recently posted a thread about my experience with a pediatric dentist and my three year old who is only diagnosed sensory processing disorder at this time; (I question some form of PDD.) Anyway, if you find that thread, you will see what we must go thru this week with our son regarding this cavity. I cannot say it has been an easy process.
My advice would be to know exactly what to expect before going in; talk with the office regarding how they will handle oppositional behavior. I did not do this; I traveled two hours to see this dentist and was very let down with our experience there. I do not doubt this dentist's ability to take care of my son orally, however, after the hospital visit is done and we go back for the two week check up, I already told them I plan to sit and talk with them about my experience and opinion there in the office and how I felt as a parent that there was no plan at all for my son and his extreme sensitivity. (He is a sensory avoider and totally shut down upon walking into the exam room--at this point, I [forget about any other human being] cannot even touch him, all he cares to do is get out. It is heart-breaking and so terribly hard to watch, I actually had to leave the room while my husband held him down so the dentist could indeed confirm the cavity and that the only way we could proceed is in a hospital setting.) I myself and quite unsure how to proceed after this procedure is done. I am hopeful that eventually in the future my son will be able to accept that he has to have his teeth cleaned and checked, but I feel that that is a very far off time from now and will take a great deal of work, exposure, familiarity for him, to reach that goal. I just hope I can find the right place to establish that relationship. I would go no where if I was not allowed in the room--for goodness's sake he's only three--I've never had to even deal with cavities before this experience.
Be prepared going in, its the best advice I can give and try not to get emotional while there, I also did that--I think with time and acceptance that he just cannot deal with this experience the way others do, will help with how emotional I become as I watch how hard he struggles in these kinds of situations. I will be more prepared and ready to deal with what may or may not take place during the visit next time. If it turns out well, then good for the little one who overcame that particular struggle on that particular day while others invaded their space and comfort level. If they do well, praise for that day--if they don't do well--try and try again. I think this is how I must look at it to get thru myself too.
Get is checked out soon; be prepared; know what will take place in the office; know your child's limits and don't expect the child to be what they just cannot be during that visit and praise them after you leave! I still gave my son his "prize" even though it was terrible--all he knew was his world was invaded and he wanted out. I shall be ready next time
But about the yellow spot...did she ever hit her mouth? Reason I'm asking is because when my oldest was little he fell one time outside playing and had one of those instances where the tooth went through the lip!
They plan to give him some drink to make him groggy before the mask even goes on. I don't know if we will get him to drink the drink. I am concerned about him "coming out of it" as well at the end. And, we are doing total preventative care also. The first thing the dentist will do after my son is out is x-rays. Then he will fix the tooth that is decayed, do a full cleaning and floride treatment, fix anything that may come up on the x-ray, then seal seven other teeth so we won't have to go thru this again. We will monopolize fully while he is out!
Thanks for your warm thoughts, Pangle, sorry I hijacked your thread......this is something we are walking thru right now. Thanks for understanding.
(PS today I have to take him to the regular doctor so they can sign-off that he is healthy enough to have the procedure tomorrow......that in itself is a nightmare too.....he's not going to let the pedi. touch him..................Please tell me it gets easier in time...........
Also---I don't know if it is all ped dentist or just the ones around here but they will NOT allow you to go back with your child. And they also sedate them some what, even at my 5 yr olds check-up and she is good about everything. They also make you sign consent that they can 'restrain' them if need be. I am afraid to think how she would react to that!
She hasn't got any offical dx yet so I don't know what to do. My oldest had to have caps due to her enamal not forming right, so I want her to get it fixed if its a problem but I once again am lost!
I'm guessing the yellow spot is plaque. - I have always gone with my kids to the examining room. There was a recent thread about going to the dentist and someone posted that a good dentist lets you stay with your child. If they're telling you no, I'd find someplace else.
I started taking my kids to the dentist before they were even 2 years old just so they would be used to it. We found a fantastic dentist who the boys love.
Edited to add: Here is a recent thread regarding the dentist. See Sunflower's post on the second page. There are also helpful links from Norway Mom on the first page.
http://www.autism-pdd.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=16456&am p;KW=dentist&PN=0&TPN=1
And restraints should be reserved for the MOST serious of situations where the dentist as well as the child can be harmed. There's always conscious sedation.
We did like Chibbylick and played out the whole dentist scenario in our ABA program everyday taken turns on her being the dentist and vice versa..;
I was also allowed to take her with me on my cleaning a month before so she could watch me and had the hygienist narrarate everything she was doing. By the time she went she was well prepared...I was allowed in room with her and sat next to her to hold her hand. She did perfect with cleaning, xrays and even a small surface cavity got fixed (thank God she didnt need a shot!) she has since been 2x with no problems. We never had to sedate her but had the option. They were great:)
I guess I'm in the minority here - but my AMAZING Pediatric Dentist does not allow parents back with the kids - they swear the kids handle it better without the parents there.Honestly - Bug walked back, and did just great on his first visit. They have a huge play area with toys and videos, treasures for the kids to take home, a fish to feed and visit...
All three of my kids handled it great.
I have utmost respect for this dentist and his staff - and I didn't question their policy. It worked for Bug.
(Your Mileage may vary - but I wanted to share my experience. I chose this dentist based on a friend's recommendation. Her Sister has two children that are severely affected on the Spectrum, and she had success with this dentist).
I'm outside Chicago, if anyone wants his name/number.
My son gets a yellow film on his teeth, his little brother doesn't, despite identical dental hygiene routines. His dentist suspects it is from his allergy medicine. Is Trinity taking any medications?
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