The first visit is usually short and simple. In most cases, we focus on getting to know your child and giving you some basic information about dental care. The doctor will check your child’s teeth for placement and health, and will look for any potential problems with the gums and jaw. If necessary, we may do a bit of cleaning. We will also answer any questions you have about how to care for your child’s teeth as they develop, and provide you with materials containing helpful tips that you can refer to at home.

The best preparation for your child’s first visit to our office is maintaining a positive attitude. Children pick up on adults’ apprehensions, and if you make negative comments about trips to the dentist you can be sure that your child will fear an unpleasant experience and act accordingly. Show your child the pictures of the office and staff on the website. Let your child know that it’s important to keep his teeth and gums healthy, and that the doctor will help him do that. Remember that your dentist is specially trained to handle fears and anxiety, and our staff excels at putting children at ease during treatment.

We generally recommend scheduling checkups every six months. Depending on the circumstances of your child’s oral health, we may recommend more frequent visits.

We recommend that your child receive bitewing (side view) x-rays at the age of 5. They are taken every 12 months as a part of regular dental examinations. These specialized x-rays are used to look for cavities in between teeth that may not be visible any other way. All dental x-rays use very low levels of radiation and are taken infrequently. Around the age of 7 a “full head” x-ray called a panoramic x-ray is taken. This x-ray provides an important screening for any abnormalities like missing or misaligned teeth that may be a problem if not addressed at the earliest stage of intervention. These films are reviewed by the dentist and then with the parent to keep them informed of any potential problems, or to just give the “all clear.”