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Dentist!

NAS77457

Just back from dental check up, well  sort of. Turned up but D refused to sit in the chair. We had the same dentist as usual, so not a new face.  I know they are not keen so made sure D was aware of the appointment well in advance. This was the first time they have refused. Dentist has offered a referral to the local hospital dental unit, (they see children with ASD) but before accepting this I would like to explore ideas on how to understand why D refused and suggestions on how to overcome the anxiety as I'm not sure if the hospital option will be any better.  Any ideas?  By the way, I'm not against having to go to the hospital for check-ups, but would like to think whether or not we can overcome the anxiety with our local dentist first!

Parents

  • Oh Boy, I have the full blown adult version of this.

    By "hospital" I hope they mean community dental services, often known as "special care"..they treat in hospital where necessary. GO!!! They are fab. They often have specialist autism clinics too.

    Dentistry is way ahead of general medicine in recognising the needs of people on the spectrum. Mine have been patient and kind, are better psychologists in dealing with dental phobias (common in ASD) than most mental health practitioners and will take a real softly, softly approach around the sensory issues and anxiety.

    I take it this is your kid you are talking about. Please, please take them and let them get help now. If they get to middle age with this unaddressed, like me, it can turn into not only poor dental health but a mental health crisis.

    You know it was a dental issue that tipped me in to a MH crisis which in turn led to my ASD diagnosis at the age of 56. MH services were appalling, my special care dentist never gave up on me. If I could have had a service like that as a kid, I may never have had the meltdowns with treatment in middle age or medical/dental phobias dominating my life to the point of suicidal ideation.

    Let the specialists in autistic dentistry handle the anxiety now, so they don't go through what I have.

  • in reply to Dawn

    That is great advice. I’m in my fifties too and I find going to the dentist so difficult and upsetting. I’ve got a problem with my teeth now and keep putting off going. I feel sick every time I even think about it, I didn’t know there were special services available like this - they sound really good. 

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  • in reply to Dawn

    That is great advice. I’m in my fifties too and I find going to the dentist so difficult and upsetting. I’ve got a problem with my teeth now and keep putting off going. I feel sick every time I even think about it, I didn’t know there were special services available like this - they sound really good. 

Children
  • in reply to Kate Kestrel

    I can totally relate to dental anxiety. I recently moved to a new city, and on my second day, I experienced sharp dental pain. I was terrified! But luckily, I found a great clinic using the dentist nearby [link removed by Moderator] option online. It's essential to find a dentist you feel comfortable with. Regarding your situation, understanding why your child refused the dental appointment is crucial. Exploring ideas to overcome anxiety is a great approach. Perhaps starting with open communication, gradual exposure, or finding a dentist experienced with ASD could help. It's worth exploring these options before considering the hospital referral.

  • in reply to Kate Kestrel

    Yep! And thet are brilliant. Just see a regular dentist and ask for a referral. Then, tell 'special care' dentistry you are autistic and as much as you can about your concerns.