Pediatric Dentistry in FL & MD

What Is Pediatric Dentistry?

Children's pediatric dentistry is focused on caring for children’s dental health from birth all the way through to adolescence. Pediatric dental specialists spend two to three years completing extra training after they have finished dental school. This training includes working within hospitals, which gives them the experience that they need to work with patients with severe dental needs. It also provides them with experience in emergency situations that need to be treated by a pediatric oral surgeon. At our practice, each of our children’s dentists works closely with either your pediatrician or your family dentist, who may have referred your child to our office so that he or she could receive specialized care.

Why Your Child Should Visit a Pediatric Dentist

When it comes keeping your child’s teeth and gums healthy, it’s always best to start an oral health care routine as soon as possible. Seeing a toddler dentist will give your child a head start on dental cleanings, helping to protect baby teeth from becoming diseased and decayed. Kid’s dentists can also provide you with advice on how to assist your child with brushing and flossing at home.

When You Should Take Your Child to See the Dentist

You should take your child to see a dentist sometime by the age of one or two. At your appointment, one of our children’s dentists will perform an examination of your child’s teeth, looking for any signs of disease and decay. At this time, the dentist will also conduct a dental cleaning on your child’s teeth, which will gently remove bacteria and plaque from your child’s teeth and gums. It’s normal for children to feel somewhat frightened by the dentist, but there are things you can do to help make the visit more enjoyable. One way is to reward your child with a tooth-friendly treat when the visit is over. This makes his or her trip to the dentist a positive experience.

What Happens During a Child’s First Visit to the Dentist?

At your child’s appointment, the dentist will design a treatment plan that will address your child’s unique needs. First visits to a dentist typically consist of your child receiving X-rays, a dental cleaning, and a pediatric periodontics examination from one of our dentists. You’ll also be able to ask your child’s dentist about any issues your child has been experiencing, such as teething or sucking his or her thumb.

How to Find a Dentist for Your Special Needs Child

Special needs children can find visiting the dentist to be especially frightening. At our practice, our dentists have undergone many years of advanced training. This training includes the use of sedation techniques as well as strategies in behavior management that can help your special needs child feel more comfortable during his or her visit. To learn more about our personalized services for special needs children, call our office and speak with one of our staff members.

Pediatric Dental Anesthesia

Our pediatric dental specialists are trained in a wide variety of methods that help children feel relaxed during dental procedures. While some children with an intense fear of the dentists may react well to laughing gas, some children require more intensive sedation. We offer a variety of safe and effective sedation options at our office, including general anesthesia for child and toddler dental work. Each child is different, so the method of sedation will be determined by the child’s age and specific needs.

Hospital Dental Care with General Anesthesia

Sometimes, intensive dental work must be completed at a hospital to ensure your child’s comfort and safety. When dental work is completed at the hospital, your child will be placed under anesthesia and monitored by an anesthesiologist. Our dentists have experience treating patients with special challenges, including developmental disabilities, chronic medical problems, and other situations. We work closely with pediatricians, oral surgeons, and anesthesiologists to ensure the best possible outcome for your child.

Our Doctors

Each of our doctors have pursued the additional training necessary to be pediatric dentists. This training has given them the knowledge and skills that they need to treat the unique needs of the developing mouths of children. Our dentists have trained to work with special needs children. They are also able to work with your child’s doctor to develop a pediatric dental plan that works for your child.

Pediatric Periodontics

Gum disease is not just an adult oral health problem – children can sometimes develop inflammation along the gum line as well. There are many factors that can cause gum disease in children, including genetics, diet, or oral hygiene habits. Our pediatric dentists can help prevent and treat gum disease by providing thorough cleanings and advice on how to best care for your child’s gums.

What Kinds of Children’s Dental Services Do You Offer?

Our practice offers the following children's pediatric dentistry services:

• Pediatric check-ups
• Dental cleaning for kids
• Pediatric dental X-rays
• Periodontics for kids
• Emergency pediatric services
• Services for children with special needs
• Pediatric dental anesthesia
• Hospital dental care with general anesthesia

New Patient Information

If you’d like to schedule an appointment for your child, please call us or request an appointment online. To save time when you get to our office, you can fill out one of our new patient forms and bring it to the office when it is time for your child’s appointment. If you need to cancel your appointment, please inform us 24 hours in advance.

To learn more about the overall cost of pediatric dental visit, please contact us. Your dental insurance plan may provide you with coverage for your child’s visit. We also provide you with the option of signing up for payment and financing options to assist you in affording the services rendered to your child.