Pediatric Dentistry in Winter Park, Florida

What Is Children's Pediatric Dentistry?

Pediatric dentists are dentists who graduated dental school and chose to continue their education in a two to three-year program where they focus on treating children of all ages. Children’s dental needs differ from adults, but are still very important. It makes sense to visit with a children’s dentist while your child is developing so they can ensure a strong foundation for good oral health.

Why Should Kids Visit a Pediatric Dentist?

Our pediatric dental specialists really enjoy treating children. If you would take your child to a pediatrician, you should take them to a pediatric dentist. Our staff and our office is kid-friendly, and we always put children at ease. We know how to talk to kids so they understand what's happening without being scared. Making dental visits enjoying is our goal; and we do everything we can to reach that goal.

When Should Kids Start Seeing a Dentist?

A pediatric dentist wants to prevent dental problems. It's best if your child sees a toddler dentist when they get their first tooth, but by age one, even if they haven't started teething. As soon as your child has a tooth, it can get a cavity. While baby teeth are temporary, they are very important for your child to be able to speak clearly and chew their food. During the first visit, it's important to remember has no preconceived ideas about dentists. If you, as a parent or caregiver, are anxious, your young one can pick up on it.

What Is a Baby's First Dental Visit Like?

We encourage the parent or caregiver to hold babies or toddlers on their lap during the first visit, so they feel secure and safe. The first visit allows you and your child to meet us. Our children's dentists will perform a simple exam, without needles or x-rays. You'll learn when to bring your young one back for regular exams and you will also learn about services we offer when your child gets older, such as dental cleaning for kids. You can ask questions about the best way to clean your child's teeth and how to avoid baby bottle decay, such as not putting your baby to bed with a bottle of anything but water.

Can Pediatric Dental Specialists Treat Special Needs Children?

Our dentists know kids with special needs have dental challenges, from keeping routine checkup appointments to taking care of their teeth at home. Special needs children often get more cavities and need more pediatric periodontics treatment. The Washington State Department of Health estimates up to 15 percent of autistic children don't see a dentist regularly, resulting in toothaches and behavioral issues. Since these kids often have trouble communicating their pain, their parents may avoid the stress associated with dental visits. Our dentists understand children with autism and other physical, behavioral, and mental issues.

We create a welcoming atmosphere in our office, so children with special needs won't find visiting a dentist traumatic. Our sedation dentistry options also help calm nervous children. With regular dental care, they can avoid having more dental issues than anyone else.

Our Doctors

Our skilled, experienced dentists will create a treatment plan to keep your child's smile bright and healthy. Every child has unique needs and they take this into account when recommending how often your young one should come in and when recommending preventative measures. Our kid’s dentists put their patient's comfort first, making accommodations as needed, so your child can relax and you can too. Once you meet our dentists, and the rest of the team as well, you'll see what we're talking about.

Children’s Dental Services

Our team focuses on preventative dental care, including checkups, education. dental cleaning for kids, sealants and fluoride treatments. We can also make a referral to a pediatric oral surgeon who can administer general anesthesia in a hospital setting in unfortunate circumstances where your child may need extensive dental work.

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.

New Patient Information

If you would like to find out more information than you see on our website, don't hesitate to call us. You can ask about the cost of pediatric dental visit and whether we accept your insurance. If you don't have insurance or you have high co-pays, you can learn about financing options and dental plans we recommend to make paying for care easier. You can make an appointment online and access our new patient information forms as well.