Frequently Asked Questions:

Pediatric dentists are specially trained for children's unique dental health needs. In the same way that a pediatrician is a specialized MD, a Pediatric Dentist is a DDS who has received additional training treating children. After completing the traditional four years of dental school, Pediatric Dentists also complete a 2-year residency program specializing in pediatrics. Family dentists and "kid friendly" offices have not achieved this distinction.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry along with the American Dental Association recommends that children have their first dental visit by age one.  Our JUMPSTART program encourages new parents to follow through on this recommendation by providing a dental exam and consultation with one of our Pediatric Dentists for children under the age of 24 months at no cost. 

While it is true that baby teeth do eventually come out, it also true that they are important to your child in the meantime.  Children need their baby teeth to speak clearly, eat comfortably, and smile with self-confidence.  Also, baby teeth hold space for the permanent teeth.  If one is lost, the others shift into the empty space.  This often means bite crowding problems in a child's future.  In addition, a decayed baby tooth can become infected and cause severe pain for a child.

It has been our experience that children do best for fillings and other treatment visits earlier in the day when they are fresh and rested.

This is a very common occurrence in young children and can often be simply monitored. Please contact our office for more information and guidance about your child's own unique case. This is not an emergency.

Nitrous oxide / oxygen is a blend of two gases, oxygen and nitrous oxide.  When inhaled, it is absorbed by the body and has a calming effect.  Normal breathing eliminates nitrous oxide / oxygen from the body.  Nitrous oxide / oxygen is perhaps the safest sedative in dentistry.  It is not addictive.  Your child remains fully conscious and keeps all natural reflexes when breathing nitrous oxide / oxygen.  If the sights, sounds, or sensations of dental treatment worry your child, he or she may respond more positively with the use of "happy air."

Made of clear or shaded plastic (no BPA), sealants protect the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.  Even if a child brushes and flosses carefully, it is almost impossible to clean the deep hills and valleys on back teeth.  Food and bacteria build up in these tiny grooves and pits, placing a child in danger of tooth decay.  Sealants seal out food and plaque, thus reducing the risk of decay.