Pediatric Dentistry in Baltimore, Maryland

What's Covered in the Field of Pediatric Dentistry?

Children's pediatric dentistry encompasses children from birth to 18 years. Although some children may still be developing at age 18, we'll let you know when your child is old enough to transfer to your family dentist. Pediatric dentists must have a minimum of two years of additional training in the specialized field of pediatric children's dentistry, part of which is conducted in a hospital setting. This enables them to receive training in emergencies and severe dental needs that should be addressed by a pediatric oral surgeon. Our pediatric dental specialists will work closely with your pediatrician and your general dentist to ensure that your child's dental needs are met.

Will My Child Fare Better at a Pediatric Dentist?

Pediatric dental specialists are trained to treat the unique dental and emotional needs of children, so your child may have a better dental experience with one of our childrens dentists. Dental visits can be scary for adults, and they can be overwhelming for a child. However, we strive to provide the best environment possible for our young patients and recommend that parents provide a treat after their child's dental visit. This encourages a positive association with dental visits and helps them develop lifelong good dental habits. If you need to make a dental appointment for your child, then call our office, and we'll put you on the schedule.

When Should I First Take My Child to the Dentist?

Ideally, your child should have their first dental visit between the ages of one and two. However, if your child is older than that and hasn't been to the dentist, then now is an excellent time to start. If you have additional questions about your child's dental health or appointment, then give us a call.

What Happens During My Child's First Pediatric Dentist Visit?

When you come in for your child's first dental visit, we'll have some forms that will need to be completed unless you have already done that. They can be completed online if that's more convenient. Then, one of our kid’s dentists will examine your child's teeth and gums to determine the scope of work needed. Next, we'll give your child a dental cleaning for kids and remove any plaque and bacteria that we find. We realize that this can be scary for a child, but we'll do our best to make their visit pleasant. After that, we'll formulate a treatment plan that will address your child's specific needs, and we'll need to take some x-rays. If you have any questions about some of your child's behaviors, such as teething or thumb-sucking, this is an excellent time to ask them.

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.

How Much Does a Pediatric Dental Visit Cost?

Your cost of pediatric dental visit will be unique to your child and will be influenced by several factors, such as:

• The amount of cleaning we need to do
• Any additional treatment needed, such as a filling or extraction
• Any prescriptions your child needs
• The amount of your insurance coverage
• The rates your dental office charges

Before coming in for an office visit, we recommend that parents check with their insurance provider to determine their level of coverage for their child. This will enable us to provide the best service possible and help you obtain the maximum from your plan benefits. If you have any questions, we're happy to answer them.

We realize that dental procedures can be expensive, so we accept most major credit cards, most insurance plans, many discount dental plans, and monthly payments in some circumstances. If your budget is limited, we'll work with you. We want your child to have the dental work they need rather than go without due to budget limitations. Call us before your appointment, or we can discuss payments when you come in.

Does A Children's Pediatric Dentist Accept Special Needs Children?

If you have a special needs child who needs pediatric periodontics or other dental services, then call us. Our children's pediatric dentistry practice has many special needs patients, and we'd be happy to add your child to the list. We provide personalized programs for our special needs patients so that they receive the best care possible. In addition, our pediatric children's dentists are trained in sedation techniques and behavior management strategies that can help ensure the child and the parent are more at ease.

If you need a dental appointment for your child or your special needs child, then call Main Street Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics of Perring Parkway at (410) 713-4542 and schedule an appointment. We're among the best in the area and strive to maintain our reputation for high-quality, affordable pediatric children's dentistry. Call us today.

We look forward to speaking with you.