Pediatric Dentistry, LLC New Patients

What is Pediatric Dentistry?

Pediatric Dentistry is a specialty recognized by the American Dental Association. Pediatric dentistry has its own professional organization, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry ensures that all board certified pediatric dentists are highly qualified in their specialty.

A pediatric dentist is a specialist in the field of dentistry dealing particularly with the oral healthcare of children, from infancy through the teenage years. Pediatric dentists complete two to three years of additional specialized training (after the required four years of dental school) to prepare them for treating a wide variety of children’s dental problems. They are also trained and qualified to care for patients with medical, physical, or mental disabilities.

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First Visit - What You Can Expect Your First Time With Us

At your child's first appointment, a parent will accompany the child for the entire visit. We will examine the teeth and gums, evaluate their growth and development for orthodontic needs, take any necessary radiographs (x-rays), if age appropriate, and teach you how to care for your child’s teeth and gums to ensure a healthy future.

We want you to take advantage of the opportunity to discuss with us the best ways to help your child develop good dental habits. You and your child will benefit from your child learning the importance of a healthy smile early in life, so they can enjoy healthy teeth and gums as adults. Encourage your child to have a good attitude towards dental care. Take the time to help your child develop good dental habits such as proper brushing, regular dental visits, routine flossing, and a good diet.

Try not to over inform your child before their first visit. We love to introduce our office in a kid friendly way. We have developed a very fun atmosphere through our years of experience. Stay positive to help ensure your child views their dental visits as a positive opportunity to stay healthy! Remember children are very perceptive when their parents are concerned and they can sense when their parent is nervous.

At What Age Should Dental Visits Begin?

“First visit by first birthday” sums it up best. In order to begin a thorough prevention program, the American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends your child visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between six and twelve months of age. Children with healthy teeth are better able to eat, to grow, to speak more clearly, and to smile with confidence.

First Appointment Preparation

How can parents make the initial dental appointment easier for the child?

Know that we are here to help and introduce your child to the first of a lifetime of dental visits. Through our years of experience, we have learned the best ways to introduce the office and make your child feel comfortable. Most children are apprehensive about their first visit, this is very natural.

Stay positive about their visit to help your child develop a positive outlook. Although we like to do all the explaining, and don’t want you to over-inform your child before their first visit, we like you to explain this is part of growing up and keeping their teeth bright and healthy. Try to avoid your own past stories and using negative words like “hurt”, “drill”, “pull”, “shot/needle”.

We have developed our own language that is kid friendly and informative for them at their level. Rest assured that we understand most young children are apprehensive and our goal is to conquer that apprehension with a gentle, loving touch so they can grow to enjoy their visits.

Does My Child Need Orthodontics (Braces)?

Your child’s orthodontic needs can be evaluated at a very young age. Understand that by diagnosing a bite problem at an early age there are more options for treatment. From birth to age six, your child’s bite is evaluated at every checkup.

At age 6 to 7, when permanent teeth begin to appear, orthodontic x-rays may be suggested. During the transitional years (ages 6-12), we will routinely evaluate your child’s facial growth and bite.

Often, controlling the available space as well as the sequence and timing of tooth eruption will help to give your child’s mouth a best chance for getting all the permanent teeth to align favorably.

We may suggest an appliance to aid in the transitional growth of your child and to eliminate or decrease the likely hood of future orthodontic needs. If more comprehensive orthodontic treatment is needed, we may refer your child to an orthodontist.