First Dental Visit to a Pediatric Dentist

We recognize that every child is unique. Our Pediatric Dental office was developed with that in mind. The purpose of the first dental visit is to establish a positive relationship with your child and to evaluate your child’s dental health while laying the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy gums and teeth. Ideally, the first dental visit takes place when your child gets eight teeth, around the age of one. At this appointment, the pediatric dentist and the dental staff get to know your child, thoroughly explain all of the procedures, and answer any questions you or your child may have. Along with a general examination and teeth cleaning, we will discuss brushing techniques, flossing, fluoride recommendations, and eating healthy snacks as beginning steps toward good dental hygiene.

For parents, you will play a big part in making your child’s first dental visit to the dentist positive and enjoyable. We always encourage parents to inform your child of the visit and its purpose, but also to take care in how you present it. We recommend avoiding the use of words that can create fear such as “needle,” “pull,” “drill,” or “hurt.” Your child’s first dental visit will rarely require such things, and, even should they be necessary at some point, keep in mind that our doctor is a trained pediatric dentist and has been trained to convey the information in a non-threatening way, helping to keep your child calm and comfortable.

Our Doctor during the examination appointment will examine the erupted teeth for cavities, the gums for infection, and the other mouth tissues for any abnormalities. She will evaluate the way your child’s teeth come together (the occlusion) and check for sufficient room for the permanent teeth to erupt. She will also evaluate the effects of any childhood habits such as thumb sucking, use of a pacifier, or prolonged use of a baby bottle. At the end of the visit, The doctor will discuss all of her findings, and a necessary treatment plan, and any dental issues pertinent to protecting the well-being of your child’s oral health.

Insurance

We are in-network with:

  • Aetna
  • Ameritas
  • Cigna
  • Careington
  • Delta Dental
  • GEHA
  • Guardian
  • Lincoln Financial
  • MetLife PDP+
  • Principal
  • Sunlife/DHA
  • United Healthcare
  • Zelis

Out of network benefits:

  • Empire BCBS
  • Healthplex
  • JJ Stanis
  • MagnaCare
  • SIDS
  • Seledent
  • United Concordia
  • Health First
  • Child Health Plus
  • Health Plus
  • Fidelis
  • Health Plex
  • And many other PPOs