What happens during your First Visit?

The first dental visit is usually short. This visit gives your child an opportunity to meet the dentist in a non-threatening and friendly way. We may ask the parent to sit in the dental chair and hold their child during the examination. The parent may also be asked to wait in the reception area during part of the visit so that a relationship can be built between your child and your dentist.

What’s involved in a full examination?

During the examination, your dentist will check all of your child’s existing teeth for decay, examine your child’s bite, and look for any potential problems with the gums, jaw, and oral tissues. He or she will also educate parents about oral health care basics for children and discuss dental developmental issues and answer any questions.

What is involved in a Dental Cleaning?

Upon arriving, you will be met and checked in by our reception staff at the front desk. You will then be met by our dental assistant and escorted to our treatment.We will review your child’s medical history and check regarding any allergies, medical conditions and/or dental concerns related to your child.

Children 18 months and under:

For most children 18 months and under our hygienist will perform a quick visual inspection of their teeth addressing any concerns with you as the parent. We will review topics of diet and nutrition, tooth eruption, how to properly clean your child’s teeth as well as providing tips on how to prevent Early Childhood Caries. We may also do a “show and tell” with your child, demonstrating the various instruments used during a typical cleaning. Even at this early age your child may allow us to perform an entire cleaning for them! We will then perform an exam of your child’s teeth and mouth and address any additional concerns you may have.

Children 18 months and over:

 

Your child will be escorted to one of our treatment chairs where they will be able to relax and have their teeth cleaned, which includes cleaning, flossing, fluoride application (to help strengthen the teeth) and dental x-rays (as necessary). We will also discuss topics of diet and nutrition, tooth eruption, how to properly clean your child’s teeth. We will begin providing dental care to your child with the “tell show do” method, where each instrument used will be shown and explained to your child. Once your child’s dental cleaning is completed, we will perform a complete examination of your child’s teeth and mouth addressing any additional concerns you may have.