Dentist appts. and 11 year olds- does the parent go in?

Our son has a dentist appt. over the Christmas Break- he does not yet know about it. He has autism and is terrified of the dentist, the lights, and the noise. He has not been to the dentist in 3 years but has been seen at the clinic and has no cavities. He needs a cleaning and a check-up. Our insurance will not cover pediatric dentists and they dropped the dentist we had seen- one our son loved. So...I am at a loss as to wether I can or should go in with him, wait in the waiting room, etc.





At our former dentist, I went in and waited but that was 3 years ago. He is a big guy now, and though he looks like your average child on the outside, he isn't.





What are your ideas on how best to handle this?

Dentist appts. and 11 year olds- does the parent go in?
I would ask him if he wants you to go in with him relatively close to the date so he's not worrying about it. Sometimes we over worry about what our kids can handle, but given your son's autism I can sympathize with why you have more reason for concern than the average parent. Let your son tell you what he needs and also be prepared for the reverse to be true when you get to the appointment (kids are always spontaneous!). The less nervous you are - the less nervous he will be so preparation is the key.





I would also call the dentist's office ahead of time and let them know your son's situation and that you may be coming in to sit with him for his appointment. Some offices like to keep the parents out and may cause an issue up front that would make your son nervous if he needs you with him. They can also be alerted to go out of their way to be gentle and relaxing for him as well.





Good luck - I hope all turns out well.
Reply:in your situation you should go in with him, it will make him feel better and you will feel better also, explain this to them when you arrive or call the day before and let them know so it won't be a problem


good luck
Reply:Ask your son. If he wants you to go in with him, go ahead. Otherwise just wait in the lobby so if he changes his mind they can get you.
Reply:Ask him. It might be a good idea to wait until it's closer to his appointment because he's scared. On one hand, you don't want him to go alone and freak out. but on the other hand, you don't want to embarrass him. So ask him when you're sitting in the waiting room. Or go by your own judgment -- you know him better than anyone else on here. When I was 11, my dad would take me and my then 13-year-old brother to the dentist. My dad would go in with whoever got called first, and then walk back and fourth between our two rooms, just to check-up on us. Go with what you think he would prefer. The dentist isn't that scary.. It's only bad when you have cavities.
Reply:With him being autistic I would go in. If your talking about a normal 11 year old I probably would wait in the waiting room.
Reply:I would go in with him or ask him if he would like you to. I would also call ahead to the dentist *if you haven't already* and let them know that your son has autism and let them know that he is very scared. That way they are extra nice and patient with him. I would also recommend that the dentist explains everything that he/she is going to do before they do it. That way during the cleaning etc he knows what to expect and the talking will take his mind off of what is actually going on. Hope your appt. goes well! Good luck!
Reply:Ask your kid if you want them. But they probably would. I'm 14 and I still don't care if my mom comes.
Reply:TALK TO THE DENTIST.
Reply:You should go in with him...tell the dentist what he is like beforehand, and accompany him....
Reply:go with him! he needs his mommy to comfort him!! i don't know why you would not even consider that. all i need to say.

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