First Visit

The specialty of Pediatric Dentistry encompasses the practice and teaching of comprehensive oral and dental health care for children from birth through adolescence. This also involves working with children and adults who have medical disorders and physical disabilities. Our exceptionally well-trained staff will 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 better opinion of and regard for dental care throughout their life. You, as parents, play a 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 your child’s overall health. 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 fewer details you provide them, the better. This approach will enable your child to view it as an opportunity to meet some new people who are interested in him or her and can help him or her to stay healthy. Our office is unique because we encourage parents to be with their child during all of their 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 to evaluate your child’s dental health as a guide to future treatment. Usually during this first visit we:

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

2. Evaluate the bite-the way teeth come together and how much space is available for the teeth

3. Determine the effects of childhood habits- thumb-sucking, pacifiers, bottles, etc.

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

5. May clean and apply a fluoride treatment to the teeth

6. Review preventive measures such as brushing, flossing, fluoride and diet.

After the complete examination is finished, your child’s oral health, the proposed treatment options, the 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. Please feel free to ask any questions.

Dental health 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.