Behavior Management
Dr. Kwak is highly experienced in treating children with a wide range of behaviors. He offers many different treatment options are suitable for children of all ages that have different oral and behavioral needs. Our office stays up to date on the latest technologies in pediatric dentistry and only offer treatments that we would use on our own children.
We ask parents not to, knowingly or unknowingly, project any anxiety onto their children. Dr. Kwak used to be a family dentist before specializing in pediatric dentistry and saw a lot of phobias people have about dentist stemmed from when they were young children. We want the best possible experience for your child and for him/her to feel at ease being at a dentist's office. Try not to let your loved ones tease your children about going to the dentist and unknowingly create a nervous kiddo!
Speaking the Language of Your Child
Dr. Kwak always tries to connect with your child at his/her language base. Sometimes this requires using word substitutes that create less anxiety. When speaking with your child about what is happening in his/her oral health, practice using some of these descriptors:
Sugar bugs instead of cavities. Nobody wants bugs in their teeth. Yuck!
Sleepy juice instead of local anesthesia our office uses sleepy juice to help your tooth take a nap so we can catch some sugar bugs. Words that aren't allowed to be used in the office
Superhero paint or princess paint instead of fillings. We let your child pick what superhero they want and this makes them more excited for his/her dental care.
Water whistle instead of a drill. Dr. Kwak utilizes a water whistle because sugar bugs don’t like the sound of the water whistle and they run away from your tooth while the water washes them away.
Iron Man Tooth, Superhero Hat, and Princess Crowns instead of crowns.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Often called laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a gas that is routinely used to help your child relax through various procedures. Nitrous oxide, when used properly, is very safe and does not cause your child to fall asleep. Despite its nickname, not all kids laugh on laughing gas. A lot of times kids will tell Dr. Kwak that they feel like someone is tickling them or they feel like they are floating or flying.
Please let us know if your child is taking any medications, has any rare anemias, vitamin deficiencies, or an ear infection because he/she might not be a good candidate for nitrous oxide.
Oral Moderate Sedation (Formerly Conscious Sedation)
When your child is more apprehensive and/or requires more dental work, an oral medication(s) will be given along with nitrous oxide to help him/her relax through the necessary dental work. Case selection is very important in having a successful result and Dr. Kwak will make his recommendations to see if your child is a candidate for oral sedation. The office will complete a thorough assessment of your child’s medical history, physical status, and review all pertinent information with you regarding whether this is an available option for your child. It is very important to make sure your child is in good overall health prior to the sedation to optimize treatment. Dr. Kwak and his team will review all these instructions to keep your child safe throughout treatment. For more information, please visit American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Reference to Preparing Your Child Before, During, and After Sedation
IV Sedation/General Anesthesia
Some children who require a significant amount of dental work, are severely anxious, have special health care needs, or are too small to cooperate with treatment in other manners might need IV sedation or general anesthesia. A board-certified pediatric anesthesiologist will be brought in to help your child safely receive the necessary treatment. Dr. Kwak will assess your child to make sure the patient is a good candidate for an in-office IV sedation/general anesthesia.
