Infants and Toddlers
Protect your child’s teeth by starting dental checkups early. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry note that it is beneficial for the first dental visit to occur within six months of the appearance of the baby’s first tooth but not later than the child’s first birthday.
At this first visit, we will show you how to clean your child’s teeth, discuss fluoride needs and recommend oral care products. We will also check for problems such as baby bottle tooth decay and early childhood caries. For toddlers, we gently examine their teeth and gums, and if necessary will clean the child’s teeth. Your toddler can also be evaluated for habits such as prolonged thumb or finger sucking. Parents are welcome in the exam room with their child.
Young Children and Teenagers
During your child's first visit or initial consultation, we will discuss and develop a treatment plan that caters to your child's needs and answer any questions that you may have. We will examine his or her teeth and gums, as well as take several x-rays to aid in our evaluation and diagnosis. We will also discuss oral hygiene, fluoride, and diet with your child to help educate him or her about the benefits of good oral health care. If scheduled, your child's teeth will be professionally cleaned and polished by one of our hygienists.
Patients with Special Health Care Needs
Our practice values each individual child, and we recognize that children with special health care needs require a dental practice that is open and understanding. Children with special health care often experience a higher risk of oral diseases which can effect their quality of life and long term health. Each of our patients are treated on a case by case basis with a particular emphasis on their specific needs. Our staff is committed to:
Listening.
Because parents and caregivers know their children better than anyone else, each visit begins by listening to the special circumstances of each child. By listening to you, and patiently answering your questions, we are able to work together in providing the best possible care for your child.
Adapting.
Instead of asking our patients to adapt to an unchanging structure of care, we strive to remain flexible with treatment options. We balance the safety and emotional well-being of each patient with effective dental care. No two children are the same, which is why we adapt our care to be effective for each child's specific needs.
Caring.
Our staff truly cares about each of our patients, and our care is especially present in our treatment of children with special health care needs. Our staff has gained the necessary expertise to care for children with special health care needs. We chose pediatric dentistry as a dental specialty because we are passionate about helping children begin a lifetime of good oral hygiene. We chose to care for children with special healthcare needs because all smiles matter, and we value each one.