What should you ask your new pediatric dentist?

If you are a first-time parent, or just searching for a new pediatric dentist, there are many questions you should ask your dentist. From questions about your child’s dental health to questions about the dentist and the dental practice, the team at Dr. Jeff’s office is more than happy to answer any inquiries you may have!

How do I narrow down my choices?

If you are a new parent and looking for a recommendation for a pediatric dentist, the first person to ask is your child’s pediatrician. They often know the pediatric dentists in the area and can recommend one to try.

Once you have a name or two, you should take a look at the dentist’s website. Many dentists these days offer a biography on their website where you can learn a little bit about the dentist, like how they chose the profession, where they did their training, and how many years of experience they have. You can also research the website of the practice to see what kind of services they offer. Not all dentists are pediatric dentists – some focus on general dentistry.

As a potential patient, you can also ask for a consultation with the dentist, where you can ask questions about their practice, education, techniques they use, and the experience they have.

What is the first visit like?

Most parents don’t realize that the best time for their child to first see the dentist is before their child’s first birthday! Children’s teeth normally start to come in around six months old, and pediatric dentists recommend that children see a dentist for the first time within six months of a tooth coming in, or around the child’s first birthday.

So what happens during the first visit? After being greeted by the receptionist, you and your child will be brought back to the evaluation area. The first visit to Dr. Jeff’s office is really about getting to know each other. During this time, you’ll be asked questions about your child’s health, and Dr. Jeff and his team will get to know you and your child. This is also the time for parents to ask any questions they have about their child’s oral health.

Next, a gentle examination of your child’s mouth will be done. This gives Dr. Jeff the chance to make sure any teeth are coming in correctly and to check for any abnormalities in the child’s mouth.

Your child’s first dental visit is also about them getting comfortable with the sights and sounds of the dental office. We want your child (and you!) to be in a comfortable environment with a friendly team who has your best interests in mind.

What services does Dr. Jeff offer for children?

Dr. Jeff’s office specializes in pediatric dentistry, so we are the perfect place to bring your child for their bi-annual dental checkups. During those checkups, we offer dental evaluations, dental cleanings, and X-rays if they’re needed. Dr. Jeff can also provide more advanced dental techniques like cavities or crowns if your child’s teeth are in need of them. Dr. Jeff also offers fluoride treatments and dental sealants, if necessary.

What if I have an anxious child or a child with special needs?

If your child is apprehensive of the dentist, as some children are, we can help out with that! Our team is specially trained in children’s dentistry, and we are very patient and attuned to your child’s needs.

We also offer sedation dentistry if needed. During sedation dentistry, the medication is delivered intravenously, or through an IV. A dental anesthesiologist will administer the IV and monitor your child during the entire visit. The sedation is not like anesthesia given before surgery–the IV sedation we provide makes the child relaxed, and they fall asleep on their own, with no knowledge or recollection of what happened to them during their visit. Your child will then wake up on their own. The only side effect is that your child will be groggy for a few hours after the IV sedation. IV sedation will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and Dr. Jeff and his team will discuss this option with the parents or guardian.

Schedule your appointment today with Dr. Jeff!

At Dr. Jeff’s office, we all love children and love what we do! If your child is in need of their first pediatric dental checkup, give our team a call today to schedule an appointment. We can’t wait to meet you!