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Frequently Asked Questions
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When should I first take my child to the dentist?
In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears or no later than his/her first birthday. We treat children ages 6 months and up.
How often should I take my child for dental appointments?
A check-up every six months is recommended in order to prevent cavities and other dental problems. However, your pediatric dentist can tell you when and how often your child should visit based on their personal oral health.
What happens at a typical first exam?
The dentist will review your child's history, respond to your questions and concerns, and talk with you about your child's overall oral health, including:
- Development
- Teething
- Bite (how your child's teeth will come together)
- Soft tissues such as gums and cheeks
- Oral habits such as thumb sucking
- Factors that affect the risk of cavities, such as diet, hygiene practices, fluoride use and whether others in the family have had
cavities - Tell you what to expect as your child grows and develops in the coming months
- Suggest a schedule for follow-up care
The dentist or hygienist may also clean your child's teeth. This is likely to occur if your child's teeth have a stain that commonly appears in infants. The dentist or hygienist also may apply fluoride, particularly if your child has a higher than average risk of developing cavities.
What can I do to help my child get over the fear of going to the dentist?
To help the dental visit go more smoothly, tell your child about the visit but limit the amount of details given. Answer any questions with simple, to-the-point answers. Let the dentist answer more complex or detailed questions. Dentists are trained to describe things to children in a non-threatening way and in easy-to-understand language. Some additional dos and don’ts are listed below:
- Don't tell your child that something will hurt or be painful.
- Don't tell your child about an unpleasant dental experience that you've had.
- Do stress to your child how important it is to maintain healthy teeth and gums and that the dentist is a friendly doctor whose job
it is to help do this. - Don't promise a reward for going to the dentist.
- Try to schedule the appointment early in the day when children have more energy and resilience
Keep in mind that it is perfectly normal for children to be fearful – some are afraid of being separated from their parents; others are afraid of the unknown; others are afraid of being injured. A dentist who treats children will know how to cope with your child's fears and anxiety and put them at ease.
How long will my wait time be?
Typically patients wait no longer than 30 minutes.
Do you have night/weekend appointments?
Our offices typically close at six and most offices are open on Saturdays.
What are the most important things to know about good dental care for my children and me?
Good dental hygiene habits should begin before your child's first tooth comes in. Wiping your baby's gums with a soft damp cloth after feedings helps to prevent the buildup of bacteria. When teeth appear, start using a soft children's toothbrush twice a day.
Once your child is preschool-age, start using fluoride toothpaste. Don't cover the brush with toothpaste; a pea-sized amount is just right. Young children tend to swallow most of the toothpaste, and swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste can cause permanent stains on their teeth.
For older children and adults, brush your teeth at least 2 times a day and see the dentist every six months.
What types of insurance do you accept?
We proudly accept Medicaid, CHIP and most major insurances.
What if some of my children are covered by Medicaid and others are not? Can you see all of them?
We can see them all, but those that aren’t covered by Medicaid will have to provide their private insurance information so that we can verify their coverage. If they are not insured, patients will need to pay cash for the services.
Do you have payment plans?
No, we do not have payment plans at this time.
Do I need to fill out a form to get patient records?
Yes, please click here for your patient record
release form.