The First Visit

The purpose of the first visit is to establish a positive relationship with your child, to evaluate your child’s dental health as a guide to future treatment, and to answer your questions. Our entire staff is dedicated to providing your child with an enjoyable dental experience.

If your child’s mouth is to develop and grow properly, the primary teeth (baby teeth) must be healthy. We encourage parents to be with their child during this visit.

Usually during the first visit you can expect us to:

• Examine the teeth for cavities, the gums for infection, and the other mouth tissues for abnormalities.
• Evaluate the way their teeth are coming together and the jaw joint.
• Check for sufficient room for the permanent teeth.
• Determine the effects of childhood habits such as thumb sucking, pacifiers, and prolonged use of a bottle.
• May take selected digital x-rays of the mouth to locate decay, infections in the bone, and position and location of unerupted teeth.
• Review preventive measures, such as proper tooth brushing, flossing, fluoride and diet.
• Clean your child’s teeth and apply a topical fluoride treatment.
• If your child is having pain or needs an emergency treatment this will be evaluated and discussed at this time. Depending on scheduling and the child’s needs we may be able to complete emergency treatment at that time.

What is a Pediatric Dentist?

The pediatric dentist has an extra two to three years of specialized training after dental school, and is dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teenage years. The very young, pre-teens, ad teenagers all need different approaches in dealing with their behavior, guiding their dental growth and development, and helping them to avoid future dental problem. The pediatric dentist is best qualified to meet the needs of young children and assist in education.

Why are the Primary Teeth (baby teeth) so important?

It is very important to maintain the health of the primary teeth. Neglected cavities can and frequently do lead to problems which affect the developing permanent teeth. Primary teeth are important for (1) proper chewing and eating, (2) providing space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position, and (3) development of the jawbones and muscles.

Dental Emergencies

Toothache: Clean the area of the affected tooth. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge any food that may be impacted. If the pain continues contact your dental office. 

Knocked out baby tooth:

Contact your pediatric dentist. This is not usually an emergency, and in most cases, no treatment in necessary. Do not replant a knocked out baby tooth.

Knocked out Permanent Tooth:

If possible, find the tooth. Handle it by the crown/enamel. Rinse with water only. Transport the tooth in a cup of milk. The patient must see a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth. If you can, try to replant the tooth in the socket.