We strive to make the first dental visit enjoyable and fun!
We encourage parents to schedule their child’s first dental visit sometime around their first birthday. Given the unique needs of each child, we recommend discussing timing with your pediatrician and our doctors.
When children like their first dental experience, they will be more likely to care for their teeth and more willing to return for their next visit. In fact, studies (and our experience) have shown that most children over the age of three react more positively when allowed to experience their first dental visit on their own and in an environment that is built around them.
We believe the first visit should be kept brief, especially for children under the age of five or those with a previous bad dental experience. You shouldn’t be upset if the visit happens to be limited to a “look-and-see” only. As our doctors build trust with your child, they will gradually make each visit more involved and enjoyable.
We can happily recommend books and online resources to assist you in introducing young ones to the dentist and helping them overcome any worries they may have. We do advise however, that you refrain from over-preparing your child for the initial visit by avoiding detailed explanations and scary words like “pull,” “shot,” “drill,” or “hurt.” With all the cool designs and toys in our office, we hope to impress them with a surprisingly fun and engaging experience.
Please be sure to complete our New Patient Form well in advance of your appointment; this will help ensure a shorter time spent in the waiting room. Our skilled hygienists and assistants prepare for each new patient the day prior to assure the most positive experience.
Some Helpful Tips:
You can have all the necessary forms completed directly online in the comfort of your home! To view and complete these forms, please visit the forms section. All you need to do once completed is to simply sign them online. Rest assured, privacy is our priority and this is the reason we work with powerful companies like Formstack & WebMerge to ensure your information is kept confidential.
Make your child's first dental visit all about them. Our doctors advise that you schedule your own dental appointment on a day other than your child's. A parent’s own anxiety can often impact children. Please don’t rush their first appointment; let them play in the playroom by coming early and allow them to take their time.
Introduce your child to the dentist through books, videos, and games, however, do not over prepare. Refrain from using words like "poke," "pull," "will not hurt," and "drill". We will happily suggest books and videos if needed.
We recommend that you schedule appointments for those under the age of five early in the morning when they are refreshed and alert, and avoid scheduling too close to nap time or too late in the day when they may be tired.
For the very young ones, we suggest you bring a familiar item from home with you — a favorite toy or stuffed furry friend and perhaps their own toothbrush or toothpaste.
We provide ample private parking reserved for our patients just feet away from our front door. In addition, we are handicap accessible and our spacious office is ADA compliant.
Dental Dictionary
Visit our dental dictionary to learn more about some common terms in dentistry. You can learn more about dental terms by clicking the button below!
FAQ:
Why should my child see a pediatric dentist instead of my regular dentist?
Like pediatricians, the pediatric dentist is best qualified to meet the needs of young patients. As noted by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in the oral health of infants, children, and adolescents. More importantly, we are trained in guiding a child’s dental experience so that it is a positive one and instills healthy practices that continue into their adulthood.
At what age should I bring my child to the dentist for their first visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child’s first dental visit be around age one or about the time the first teeth erupt. A pediatric dentist will review with you the best brushing techniques, how much toothpaste to use and when to start, bottle and pacifier use, and much more. It is during this visit that you establish a positive and safe dental home for your child for any needs that may arise in the future. We find that children who start their dental visits after the age of two have greater difficulty with their first visit and sometimesrequire extensive dental treatment.
Why do I need to worry about cavities on baby teeth that fall out?
The health of baby teeth has implications for oral health long after those teeth have fallen out. One way cavities are formed is by acid producing bacteria that eat away at the enamel. Such bacteria can be passed onto adult teeth causing further cavities. Baby teeth also provide the architectural framework for the eruption of adult teeth.
If baby molars are lost prematurely due to cavities, the adult six-year molars can tip forward and trap the premolars under the gums. In fact, some baby teeth emerge as late as 11 years of age! A child with untreated cavities will become an adolescent with cavities that can impact their permanent teeth.
Does my child have to take dental X-Rays as part of the 1st visit?
While radiographs (X-Rays) allow us to see in between teeth, we DO NOT encourage the taking of them unless it is deemed absolutely necessary. Children’s facial and jaw bones grow rapidly and these cells are more susceptible to radiation damage. Therefore, our doctors follow the recommendations set forth by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
When the time arises for X-Rays, we will discuss it with you, providing the details you need to make an informed decision for your child.
Do you offer X-Ray alternatives?
Yes! We proudly offer CariVu, an X-Ray alternative that uses light technology (transillumination). With the help of a wand-like pen, CariVu is completely painless, very comfortable for children and is a proven diagnostic tool that minimizes a child’s cumulative radiation exposure.
The link below shows a typical image taken with a CariVu camera. The dark areas between the teeth clearly demonstrate what a cavity looks like. You can learn more by visiting CariVu’s website click here.
Can I be in the room with my child?
We welcome parents to share their child’s first dental experience alongside them. When the parent encourages the patient to open their mouth and allow for the exam, the child is more willing to do so. There are a few instances when a child may do better without the parent present, in which case, if you agree, our doctors and hygienist will review this in advance with you.
Do I need to bring the old records?
There are rare instances when we ask parents to forward previous dental records. If X-Rays were taken at another office less than a year ago, we encourage that you forward them to our office so that we can minimize your child’s exposure to radiation. However, since a child’s mouth is always changing and teeth exfoliate as they grow, you should not spend too much effort trying to retrieve old records. Our comprehensive exams are very detailed and our doctors can create treatment plans that reflect an up-to-date examination.
Our scheduling coordinator will work on your request and contact you to confirm your appointment. We are excited to welcome you to SPD family!
