The specialty of Pediatric Dentistry concerns itself with the practice and teaching of comprehensive oral health care for children from birth through adolescence. This also involves working with children who have medical disorders and physical disabilities. Our trained staff can aid your child in feeling comfortable during his/her visit to our office.

Children who have their first dental experience when they are very young are likely to have a favorable outlook toward dental care throughout their life. You, as parents, play very important role in getting your child started with a positive attitude toward dental care. Because dental visits are an integral part of your child's total health program, we approach this visit as a natural part of your concern for optimal health maintenance. One of the useful things you can do is to be completely natural and easy going when you tell your child about the appointment with the dentist. The less "fuss" the better. This approach will enable your child to view it as an opportunity to meet some new people who are interested in him/her and can help him/her to stay healthy. Our office is unique because we encourage parents to be with their child during dental visits. This allows for a positive, shared experience.

The purpose of this first visit is to establish a positive relationship with your child and evaluate your child's dental health as a guide to future treatment. Usually during this first visit we:

1. Examine the erupted teeth for cavities, the gums for infection and other mouth tissues for abnormalities.

2. Evaluate occlusion-the way teeth come together.

3. Check for sufficient room for the permanent teeth.

4. Determine the effects of childhood habits (e.g., thumb-sucking, pacifiers, bottles, etc.)

5. May take selected x-ray views of the mouth to locate decay, infections in the bone, position and location of un-erupted teeth.

6. May have time to review preventive measures such as brushing, flossing, fluoride and diet.

New patients are asked to pay for the first visit at the time of the appointment, whether or not they are covered by insurance.

At this or the next appointment, your child's teeth are cleaned and a fluoride treatment may be given. It is at this time, after the x-rays are interpreted and the complete examination completed, that your child's oral health, proposed treatment options, number of appointments needed and your role in your child's dental care program will be discussed. You will be informed of the estimated treatment fee and the financial plan available in this office. This estimate will be honored for a period of three (3) months. Please feel free to ask any questions.

Good general health depends in large part upon the development of good habits such as sensible eating and sleeping routines, exercise, recreation and the like. Dental health also depends upon good habits-including proper toothbrushing, regular visits to the dentist and avoidance of excessive sweets. We will have a chance to discuss these points further during your child's appointments.

Because children grow quickly and changes in the mouth occur so rapidly, it is essential that the examination (including x-rays when needed), teeth cleaning and fluoride treatments be performed every 6 to 9 months. Help us maintain your child's dental health by confirming your appointment when you receive our reminder that your child's next visit is due.

New Patient Forms and Information

For your convenience prior to visiting our office, please click on the following links to complete each form and/or read the information and guidelines. Then, bring the completed forms with you to your first visit.

No More Fear: Tips to Make Dental Visits Easier
click here to read more

 
Books we recommend prior to your child's first visit:

Barney Goes to the Dentist by L. C. Dowdy	Going to the Dentist by Fred Rogers
Little Bill, A Visit to the Dentist by E. Fremont	What to Expect When You Go to the Dentist - by Heidi Murkoff
Going to the Dentist - A Picture Social Skills Story Book - by C. A. Bailey	Going to the Dentist - First Time Read and Learn - by M. B. Radabaugh
Voy Al Dentista  by M. B. Radabaugh

 

 

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