Should we allow our pediatric dentist to use a papoose board? our two year old hates going to the dentist, and fights nearly everything that the dentist tries to do. he would like to try using a papoose board to help keep our son from moving, but i don't

I : I am changing the specialty of your question to pediatric dentistry so that the specialists on the panel can give you their insight. I personally am not fond of restraining a child. For that reason if a young patient of mine is that uncooperative, i ask the mother to take them to a pediatric dentist. Medications also have their drawbacks, so you are in a bind.

For : For an uncooperative child, dentistry is stressful enough, restraining a child may traumatized him further. Often, a dentist that has a way with children can charm a child into allowing work to be done. Sometimes medication can reduce the anxiety and in extreme cases full sedation may be necessary. Too many adults today suffer from untreated dental problems because they had a traumatic experience as a child.

Your : Your pediatric dentist can give you various options to treat your child. Let's assume that your child requires dental treatment that if left untreated can progress to more serious problems. Your options will include treatment in the office (using restraint if necessary) or having the child treated under sedation or general anesthesia (with its inherent risks). You have to understand that it is the goal of your pediatric dentist to safely treat your child with the best and appropriate care. An uncooperative child (through no fault of his own) can cause a sudden movement that can risk injury with the various dental instruments in their personal space. Some form of restraint often has to be used for the child's safety, be it a papoose board or a couple of adults restraining the child.

Not easy to answer: What's better, untreated pathology, temporary restraint, sedative medication, or general anesthesia in an or. They all have pros and cons. Pediatric dental specialists are trained to work with you to choose the best path for your child. Discuss this fully and carefully w pedodontist before making decision.

Schools of thought.: Restraints are an option however, we develop the dental patient we will be for a lifetime based on our first several experiences in the dental office. Medications used in pediatric dentistry today are a great way to complete necessary dental treatment without the trauma of restraints. Dentists certified in the various methods of sedation can deliver safe effective dentistry to your child.

In my opinion: This is a very tough challenge.A good pedodontist will know best how to prepare the child for the visit-how the parents prepare for & act before and at the office is important. If already on the wrong foot, i would first consider seeing another pedodontist for a new start.If nothing else works, i would allow a papoose board for an exam. For any major work, sedation in a hospital is usually best.