First Pediatric Dental Visit

Preparing Your Child

 

We try very hard to make your child's treatment physically comfortable and enjoyable.  All of our care is based on the behavior management technique Tell-Show-Do.  This management technique prepares your child for dental treatment by telling and showing your child what we are going to do before we do it.  During all visits, we believe in giving your child lots of praise.  We begin the first visit by introducing the office environment and the staff.  For children two and above, we recommend an oral examination, a cleaning, the application of fluoride, and any necessary radiographs (x-rays).  After a thorough study of our findings, we will prepare and discuss a treatment plan for your child's dental needs.  This plan will provide guidance on dental and oral development, fluoride status, non-nutritive oral habits, injury prevention, oral hygiene, and the effects of diet on the dentition.  Although no restorative work is performed at this time, emergency needs will be assessed and treated if appropriate.

 

Please do not be upset if your child cries.  Children are often afraid of anything new and strange, and crying is the normal reaction to that fear.  Please permit us the time to develop rapport with your child. After the first visit, encourage his or her independence and allow us the privilege of bringing your child from the reception room to the dental chair alone.  Most school age children do better alone with the pediatric dentist, hygienist and assistant than with a parent present.

 

INFANT ORAL HEALTH CARE (BIRTH TO TWO YEARS)

 

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that an initial oral evaluation visit should occur within six months of the eruption of the first primary tooth and no later than twelve months of age.  During this important visit we will complete a thorough medical and dental history, complete a thorough oral examination, assess your child's risk of developing oral and dental disease, and determine an appropriate interval for periodic reevaluation.

 

PREPARING YOUR CHILD (TWO YEARS AND ABOVE)

 

We encourage you to prepare your child for a visit to the pediatric dentist before the first appointment. For young children, excellent books that describe a visit to the dentist can be found at the library and in bookstores.  Discuss the positive aspects of dentistry with your child.  Convey good feelings about the dental visit as being a part of growing up.  Let your child know they are going to learn lots of new ways to make their teeth sparkle and enjoy a healthy smile.

 

Morning appointments are recommended for little ones when they are refreshed and more accepting of new experiences.  If you expect your child to react well, chances are very good your child will enjoy the first visit to our office.  In addition to preparing your child for the important first visit, please provide all information pertinent to your child's dental, medical and social situation on the health forms you will be given by our office.  This will enable us to provide the best possible care for your child.