A dental visit should start with a conversation, not worry. Whether your child is scared of the dental chair or you have been putting off your own appointment, we can talk about what would help.

 

At Family & Child Dental Care, our focus is on providing fear free dental care to the whole family. We understand that both kids and adults can be nervous about dental procedures, and we aim to listen to and resolve your anxieties before jumping into treatment. We combine a patient, gentle approach with options such as laughing gas for children and adults, when suitable.

 

What does fear-free care mean?

It means taking your worries seriously. A past experience, the sound of the drill, a needle or simply not knowing what will happen can make a visit feel difficult.

 

Our aim is to make dental care feel more manageable through clear explanations, reassurance and a plan that suits your needs. Fear-free is our approach to care, not a promise that every visit will be free of discomfort.

 

My child is scared. What happens at the first visit?

Start by telling us what worries your child and what has happened at earlier dental visits. If there is pain or an urgent problem, please mention that when booking.

 

The first visit is a chance to get to know your child, understand their dental needs and discuss the next step. We explain things in words they can understand and introduce the dental setting at a pace that works for them.

 

Not every child is ready for the same steps on day one. What we can do will depend on their comfort, cooperation and how urgently care is needed. We create an individualised treatment plan, knowing that each child is different and will accept dental treatment at a different pace. There is no one size fits all policy (this also applies to adults).

 

How do you help a child who is frightened?

Dr. Rachaita is trained in handling apprehensive children, and uses this to the best of her ability. Small steps can help: explaining what we are going to do, showing an unfamiliar item before using it and recognising your child's efforts. We all deserve kind, empathetic dental care.

 

Some children need more support than reassurance alone. We consider their age, medical history, dental needs and ability to manage the visit before discussing other options, including laughing gas and other sedation options when suitable.

 

The goal is to care for their teeth while helping them build trust in dental visits. There is no single approach that works for every child.

 

I'm an adult and I'm nervous too. Can you help?

Yes. Gentle care is not just for children. Dental anxiety is very common - studies suggest roughly one in four children and around one in seven adults feel significant fear or anxiety about dental visits. You can tell us if you are worried about pain, feel embarrassed about your teeth or have had a difficult dental experience before.

 

We talk through what needs attention and the options available, and the priority of each treatment recommended. Some teeth may require more attention than others. You can ask questions, discuss what feels difficult and agree on ways to communicate during treatment. Please talk to us, freely. We are here to listen and help to the best extent we can!

 

Where does laughing gas fit?

Laughing gas is nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen, breathed through a small mask over the nose. It helps patients feel more relaxed during dental treatment.

 

Laughing gas helps with anxiety, but it does not replace local anesthetic when needed for a procedure. It usually helps the patient cope better with the injection and effect of local anaesthetic. Its effects usually wear off quickly after it is stopped. It is always a planned procedure, and is no substitute for talking about your concerns with us.

 

Is laughing gas safe for everyone?

Nitrous oxide with oxygen is an established option for managing dental anxiety when used appropriately by trained dental professionals.

 

Before recommending it, we review your health, medicines and the treatment needed. Being able to breathe through your nose and accept the mask matters too. Tell us about any medical condition, pregnancy, recent illness or previous reaction to sedation.

 

Possible side effects include, but are not limited to, nausea or vomiting. We will explain the benefits, risks and alternatives before you decide. If another approach is more suitable, we will discuss that with you.

 

Who will care for my family?

Family & Child Dental Care is a pediatric-focused family dental practice in Mira Road. Dr. Anita Chhabra founded it in 1994, and her daughter, Dr. Rachaita Chhabra, joined her in 2018.

 

Dr. Anita is known in the local community for her caring, empathetic approach. Her kind nature has kept generations of families coming back for their treatment.

 

Dr. Rachaita holds an MDS in Pediatric Dentistry and is trained in caring for apprehensive children, with further training in conscious sedation and general anesthesia. She has inherited her mother's compassionate outlook and works to make every child's visit one they look forward to.

 

Children receive care with their stage of development in mind. Adults are welcome for general dental care, with the same attention to comfort and clear communication.

 

Do I need to ask for sedation when I book?

You can simply tell us that you or your child feel nervous. We will first understand the dental problem and your concerns, then discuss whether reassurance, changes to the way care is provided or a sedation option may help.

 

Sedation is a choice to discuss after an assessment, not something every anxious patient needs.

 

Can we begin with a conversation?

Yes, we always begin with a conversation. Tell us who the appointment is for and what worries you most. We can discuss the next step together.

 

To book at Family & Child Dental Care, Shanti Park, Mira Road, WhatsApp 8369234177.