973-989-7970 
Fear of the dentist is a normal part of growing up, but addressing and managing dental anxiety in children is crucial for their oral health. At Pediatric Dental Associates of Randolph, Dr. Matthew Mannella and the rest of our team in Randolph, NJ are committed to creating a positive and comfortable environment for patients throughout Morris, Sussex, Essex, and Warren Counties and beyond. Tackling dental anxiety and ensuring a stress-free experience is forefront of everything we do.
Understanding Pediatric Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety in children can stem from various factors. Fear of the unknown, past negative experiences at doctor’s offices, or simply the unfamiliar environment of a dental office can all contribute to uneasiness. Our pediatric dentists and hygienists recognize the importance of addressing these concerns to build trust and make each dental visit a positive one.
Creating a Child-Friendly Environment
Our office has been designed to reduce anxiety and make children feel comfortable during their dental appointments. Our gigantic fish tank absorbs kid’s attention the moment they enter our office and the bright colors of our Mario Brother’s décor helps create a welcoming atmosphere. Televisions in each exam room also help to distract kids while they’re having their teeth cleaned.
Effective Communication
Our pediatric dentists and hygienists have received specific training on how to best communicate with young patients. Before any procedure, they take the time to explain what will happen in a simple and age-appropriate manner. This helps alleviate fears by demystifying the dental experience and allowing children to understand the process.
Building Trust Through Relationships
We believe it’s important to establish a trusting relationship with our patients. Our pediatric dentists spend extra time talking and engaging with children before starting any dental work. This personal approach helps build rapport and trust, making children more cooperative during their appointments. Providing gentle, patient-centered care at each appointment also makes kids less anxious at their next visit.
Behavior Management Techniques
In situations where a child may be particularly anxious or uncooperative, our pediatric dentists and hygienists employ behavior management techniques. These may include positive reinforcement, praise for bravery, or the use of “tell-show-do” methods to familiarize children with dental tools before using them.
Sedation Options
For patients needing dental treatment, we offer mild sedation with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to calm any fears. For patients needing significant treatment sedation with a board-certified anesthesiologist either in the comfort of our office or at Morristown Medical Center may be recommended.
At Pediatric Dental Associates of Randolph, our motto is “We make smiles happen.” We accomplish this through our commitment to fostering positive attitudes towards dental care by creating a child-friendly environment, establishing trust, and using patient-centered approaches that will benefit children throughout their lives. If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help your child break through their fear of the dentist, give our team a call to schedule a visit at 973-989-7970.
