Frequently Asked Pediatric Dental Questions
Picking a new dental office for your child is a big decision. You want to make sure they get the high quality care as they deserve. At Stroud Pediatric Dentistry, we understand completely and want to make this decision simple for you. That’s why we’re answering some of the most frequently asked pediatric dental questions that we’ve received about our dental office. If you have questions beyond these, we invite you to contact our team.
Why should I take my child to a pediatric dentist?
A pediatric dentist has advanced training in handling oral issues that specifically affect children and is certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Our specialists are some of the most qualified dental professionals in the area to help children keep their smiles healthy and strong as they develop. Plus, everything in our dental office is geared toward making your child’s dental experience positive and fun. You won’t find that at a typical family dental office!
When should I start bringing my child to the dentist?
Your child should have their first appointment around their first birthday or about six months after their first tooth erupts. At this initial appointment, we will focus on helping your child become familiar with us and our dental office. We will examine your child to make sure that they are developing properly and answer any questions you have. We will also give you tips for caring for your child’s smile to avoid cavities and other oral problems down the road.
My child is afraid of visiting the dentist. How can you help?
We want all our patients to feel comfortable and relaxed while they are in our care. To help patients who struggle with dental anxiety or fear, we tailor our treatment plans and behavior strategies accordingly. We offer a kid-friendly environment that helps to reduce anxiety in the dental office. For children that need some extra help, we do offer nitrous oxide, or "happy air," that is sufficient for most children for restorative treatment. Should your child need more extensive sedation, we offer both IV sedation and general anesthesia as needed.
Why is it important for my child to have a dental visit every six months?
Your child’s semiannual checkups and cleanings are critical for protecting their smile against harmful bacteria and cavities. During this appointment, we are able to catch decay even in its early development—before it has a chance to cause damage or pain for your child. Then, we clean your child’s teeth, stopping plaque and bacteria from having the chance to cause cavities in the future. Since your child will also change both physically and emotionally during this time, it is also important to be checking growth and development along the way routinely.
My child’s tooth is badly damaged. Will it need to be extracted?
Our team at Stroud Pediatric Dentistry considers all the available treatment options before resorting to tooth extraction. If possible, we will place a restoration to help protect the tooth and maintain its health. No matter what treatment is best for your child’s smile, you can bet that we’ll do everything we can to ensure your child’s comfort throughout the entire process.
Do you treat children with special needs?
Absolutely! We are happy to help young patients of all physical and mental abilities. Our kind, patient team will do everything we can to make sure your child is comfortable. If necessary, we also offer several forms of sedation to help ease your child's appointment if necessary.
Do you accept dental insurance?
Yes, we accept most PPO dental insurance plans, and we are in network with Delta Dental. We will even help you file your claim! To find out if we take your specific insurance plan, contact our helpful team.