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Pediatric Dentistry
Why choose a Pediatric Dentist?
Pediatric dentists deal exclusively with infants and children and
have advanced knowledge of the particulars of childhood dental
disease. After dental school, they received two to three years of
additional training, including pediatrics, anesthesia, pharmacology
and child psychology.
Our doctors are specialty trained to
care for the the oral health and dental development of infants,
children, adolescents, and special needs patients. Attuned by nature
and by training of the various stages of a child's oral and
psychological development, the pediatric dentist is to dentistry
what the pediatrician is to medicine.
Our practice is dedicated to the
long-term oral health of your child. We accomplish this goal by
getting children involved and excited about the care of their teeth.
We talk to parents about the special things they can do at home to
help. Lastly, we gently treat the problems that do occur and work to
prevent new ones from happening.
The First Visit
 Welcome
to the wonderful world of pediatric dentistry and our dental
practice designed specifically for children! We want you and your
child to experience a lifetime of optimal oral health, and positive
dental experiences.
In accordance with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and
the American Academy of Pediatrics our office recommends that you
schedule your child’s first dental visit by his/her first birthday.
More than 1 in 4 children in the U.S. have cavities by the time they
are 4 years of age. The earlier we begin dental care, the greater
the chance of preventing dental problems. To prevent the development
of early childhood cavities, parents need to find out their child’s
risk of developing cavities, learn how to manage diet, oral hygiene
and fluoride to prevent problems before they start.
Before the first visit, a health questionnaire and patient
information form will be mailed to your home. You will bring this
with you to your first appointment. These forms will be reviewed
with you and the doctor at your child’s visit.
On your child’s first visit we will ………
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Examine your child’s teeth and gums. Often due to age and behavior a
“knee to knee
examination “will take place so that your child feels you close by,
on your lap, while
we examine and provide treatment for your child.
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Clean your child’s teeth and apply a topical fluoride.
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Discuss your child’s overall oral health including; growth and
development, teething,
pacifier and sucking habits, cavity risk factors, trauma and
accident prevention.
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Discuss feeding habits by nursing, bottle-feeding, and/or the use of
sippy cups.
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Demonstrate to both the parents and the child how to properly clean
your child’s teeth.
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Take x-rays if necessary.
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Make recommendations about daily home care including hygiene, diet,
and fluoride use
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Review follow-up recall schedule.
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Answer any questions you may have and discuss any treatment needs
for your child.
Our goal is to have this visit be as positive as possible. Fussing
or crying is age appropriate behavior for some children and does not
determine a positive or negative experience.
We encourage parent’s presence during our visits, but we ask that
you allow our staff to establish a rapport with your child to gain
his/her trust and confidence. We ask that you are a “silent
observer” during the visit so that your child can concentrate on our
kind, gentle, and non-threatening instructions.
Preparation for this visit should include simple and positive
explanations of the visit. Please refrain from using words and
phrases like: pain, shot, drill, needle, cavity, and “it won’t
hurt.”
Explain that going to the dentist is natural, and fun, and an
important part of maintaining good health. If you have any questions
regarding the visit, just ask one of our staff members, or tell your
child to ask the dentist.
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Accidents |
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As parents and as practitioners, we understand emergencies and
accidents happen with children. Often times, they occur when the
parent is not present. Please take a moment to remain calm, evaluate
your child's accident prior to calling the office. This way we will
be better able to access the individual needs for your child.
Please call our office as soon after an accident as possible. If
needed, we will see your child immediately.
We will do our best to accommodate an injured child. In doing so,
our daily schedule may be delayed. Please accept our apologies ahead
of time should this occur during your appointment. Understand we
will do exactly the same if your child is ever in need of emergency
care.
Consultations
As needed during all examinations we will discuss your child's...
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brushing, flossing, and home care
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preventive and restorative treatment needs
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growth and development
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need for an orthodontic and/or other specialty evaluations
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