Pediatric Dentistry is the specialty that focuses on the oral health and unique needs of young people. The pediatric dentist completes an additional two to three years of rigorous training after receiving their dental degree. This specialized program of study and hands-on experience prepares pediatric dentists to meet the unique needs of your infants, children and teens, including children with special health care needs.
Our goal, along with our staff, is to help children feel good about visiting the dentist and to teach them how to care for their teeth. Pleasant visits to the dental office promote the establishment of trust and confidence in your child that will last a lifetime.
Preventing Tooth Decay
We are concerned about your child's total health care. Good oral health is an important part of total health. Dental decay is an infection of the tooth. Visiting us early can help avoid unnecessary cavities and dental treatment. Studies have shown that children with poor oral health have decreased school performance, poor social relationships and less success later in life. Children experiencing pain from decayed teeth are distracted and unable to concentrate on schoolwork.
Importance of Primary Teeth (Baby Teeth)
Primary teeth serve a number of critical be functions and are important to keep in place until they are lost naturally. Primary teeth are important because they:
Maintain good nutrition by permitting your child to chew properly.
Are involved in speech development
Help permanent teeth by saving space for them
Infants and Children
An important step on the road to teaching your child healthy lifetime habits involves getting an early start in regular dental care. The first dental visit should occur no later than the child's first birthday. Early tooth and mouth examinations may lead to detection of early stages of tooth decay that can be easily treated.
Teens
Appearance and self- image are very important to teens. Decayed or poorly positioned teeth or jaws might make them more self- conscious. We guide teens by teaching preventive dental health care and healthy diet habits.
First Visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends regular dental visits for children at 1 year of age. Let the first tooth remind you that it's time to see your pediatric dentist. At age 1, we only do an initial exam which lasts only a few minutes. An early dental visit can help prevent the development of decay and establish dental health care and good diet habits.
The first visit will include an initial examination, dental x-rays if necessary, followed by oral hygiene and diet instructions to emphasize proper oral health care. If your child is 3 or older, a cleaning and polishing of their teeth will usually follow along with an application of fluoride.
Tips for a great dental visit:
Schedule an appointment time when your child is alert and well rested. Younger children tend to do better earlier in the day.
Explain to your child that the dentist will count his/her teeth.
Please use positive language around your child when discussing their dental visit. Avoid using words that may cause unnecessary fear such as hurt, pull, drill, shot, and don't let others tell your child negative stories about dental visits. Also, an anxious parent can cause unnecessary anxiety for the child. Your child's dental visit should be an important and fun adventure, so if you are relaxed and positive about this experience, it will help them be positive too.
Office Policies
How are appointments scheduled?
The office attempts to schedule appointments at your convenience and when available. Younger children should be seen in the morning because they are fresher and more cooperative. Dental appointments are a legal school excuse.
We ask that you give our office 24 hours in advance notice if you are unable to make your appointment. Another patient who needs our care could be scheduled if we have enough time to notify them. We realize that unexpected things can happen, but we need your assistance in this regard.
Do I Stay with My Child During the Visit?
We invite you to stay with your child during the initial examination. During future visits, we suggest you allow your child to accompany our staff to the treatment room. When a parent is present, a child will frequently concentrate their attention on the parent, rather than on us. This makes it more difficult to establish good communication and your child's trust. Children may sense fear and tension from their parents, which also interferes with establishing the bond with your child. If we feel it would be best for a parent to accompany their child, we will ask you to do so.
What about Finances and Insurance?
Payment for professional services is due at the time dental treatment is provided. You will be provided with a treatment plan which fits your timetable and budget, giving your child the best possible care. We accept cash, personal checks, and most major credit cards.
We file dental insurance as a courtesy to our patients.
Post Operative Care
Care of the Mouth after Local Anesthesia
Please monitor your child closely for approximately two hours following their dental procedure. Children do not understand the effects of local anesthesia and may suck or play with the numb lip, tongue, or cheek. These actions may cause irritations, abrasions, or swelling. Application of ice can decrease the chances of swelling after biting the lip. Keep you child on a liquid diet until the anesthetic wears off.
Please don't hesitate to call the office if there are any questions.
Care of the Mouth after Extractions
Your child's lip, tongue, and cheek may be without sensation for several hours. Remind your child not to bite his/her lip while it is "asleep."
Apply pressure to extraction site for 20-30 minutes.
Do not rinse the mouth for 24 hours.
Do not spit excessively.
Do not drink through a straw.
Keep fingers and tongue away from the extraction area.
Bleeding- Some bleeding is to be expected. If bleeding is to reoccur, place gauze firmly over the extraction site and bite down for 20 minutes. Repeat if necessary.
Maintain a soft diet for a day or two or until the child feels comfortable again.
Avoid physical activity for several hours after the extraction.
Pain- For discomfort use Children's Tylenol, Advil, or Motrin as directed.
Please don't hesitate to call the office if there are any questions.
Care of Sealants
Your child should refrain from eating ice or hard and sticky candy, which tend to fracture the sealants. Regular dental appointments are recommended in order to ensure your child's sealants remain in place.
Please don't hesitate to call the office if there are any questions.
