[marcav]

I brought my 4 yo to the dentist for his first visit, and was somewhat disturbed by their protocol. They started out trying to take x-rays (wasn’t going to happen) and then they just gave up and said to wait for the dentist. When he got to the dentist they got him to sit in the treatment chair (just barely) and proceeded to explain what they were going to do to him (good). When they began lowering the chair he practically jumped out, but they were eventually able to calm him down. They counted his teeth; checked for cavities, and brushed (electric) and flossed his teeth. I was pretty impressed that he allowed them to do all that, but was surprised that they did so much. Here are the things that bothered me:

1. Unless he had observable problems, was he too young for x-rays? Should I verify that they’re digital?

2. When he was in the treatment chair I asked what they would do if he just didn’t want to cooperate. They told me that they would have put him in restraints ( — never would have happened!)

I went in thinking that all they would do is just count his teeth. Can anyone tell me what is a reasonable protocol for first time pediatric visit?

[DPline]

My children started going to the dentist before age 2 for my younger two children and age 3 for my older son. We have always gone to a pediatric dentist.

My daughter wouldn't cooperate for x-rays until she was 4 or so, but my boys had them at their first visits. It was explained to me that the x-rays are done to ensure there is no decay between the teeth that can't be seen, as well as checking the development of the adult teeth in the gums.

From their first visit my kids have had their teeth examined and cleaned, as well as x-rays for the ones who would cooperate. My daughter sat in my lap for her first few visits until she was more comfortable, while my boys were ok with me sitting next to them.

I don't think x-rays and cleaning are unreasonable for a first visit. But you might consider finding another dentist, particularly a pediatric dentist, who you would feel more comfortable with and has more experience dealing with young children.
Good luck!

[HappyTwinsMom]

Was it a pediatric dentist? Sounds pretty harsh for a peds specialist to me. We started taking our daughters to the dentist at 13 months, so they've never had any fear of what's being done - they even got braces in February without a complaint (and they were only 7 at the time).

I think our first x-rays were about a year ago. Seems a little odd to take them without an obvious problem.