It is important to establish good oral hygiene and dietary habits early in childhood. In light of that, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that an infant’s first oral exam come after the first teeth erupt and before the first birthday. Your child’s first visit will be an educational opportunity, and it will also help detect any early dental problems. The first dental cleaning is usually done at 2-3 years of age. After that, regular visits for continued exams, cleanings and fluoride treatments are a necessary part of maintaining good oral health. For most children, visiting the dentist every six months is suggested, though some children may require more frequent visits. We are attentive to individual differences and will tailor the diagnostic, preventive and restorative services to fit each child’s needs.
Your Child’s Treatment Plan
Your child’s individualized treatment plan will be developed by the doctor based on oral exam findings, the diagnosis of X-rays and behavioral assessments. Occasionally, treatment plans are subject to change in response to changes in circumstances between the time of the exam and the time of the treatment appointment. However, if treatment is postponed too long, the decay damage can spread to a larger part of the tooth and become a larger, more extensive treatment. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you do not postpone treatment.
Our Most Common Pediatric Dental Services
Diagnostic
The following procedures help us to report the health status of your child’s teeth and mouth:
- Dental Exams Performed by the Dentist
- Radiographs (X-rays)
Preventive
We perform the following procedures in order to prevent or reduce your child’s chance of developing cavities:
- Prophylactic Dental Cleaning
- Topical Fluoride Application
- Sealants
We perform the following procedures in order to repair teeth with cavities, both small and large:
- Cosmetic White Fillings
- Cosmetic White Crowns
- Stainless Steel Crowns
- Pulpotomies
- Extractions
- Space Maintainers
Behavior Management
If your child is very young, has special needs and/or has a high level of anxiety, we can offer additional care. This care will be planned on a case-by-case basis with a separate fee on the treatment plan. Methods of additional care may include the following:
- Nitrous Oxide
- Conscious Sedation (oral medications)
- General Anesthesia
