What is the first visit like?
At the first visit, we will get to know you and your child, as much as you will get to know us. Your appointment will begin with a tour of the office, and then your child will be seated at the dental chair and allowed to pick out a movie to watch. Dr. Scott or Dr. Tello will thoroughly review your child’s medical and dental history information, and gently examine your child’s teeth, gum tissue, and dental development. Dr. Scott/ Dr. Tello and our team will then decide the extent of treatment to be rendered at the visit.
What types of payment options do you offer?
It is our mission to provide you with exceptionally high-quality pediatric treatment that is worth the price. Our office accepts payments by MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and cash. As a special convenience, we offer Care Credit. This allows you to spread out the cost of care over time, so you can make low, manageable payments with low or no interest. Feel free to speak with our office staff about the plans available.
When should my child start seeing a Pediatric Dentist?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child’s first visit to the dentist should happen before his or her first birthday. The general rule is six months after the eruption of the first tooth. Taking your child to the dentist at a young age is the best way to prevent problems such as tooth decay.
Why are baby teeth so important if they are going to fall out?
While it is true that Primary Teeth, i.e. “Baby Teeth”, will fall out, what most do not realize is that the majority of the primary teeth will not be shed before age 10-13. Therefore, it is extremely important to maintain the health of the primary teeth at an early age. Neglected cavities can, and do lead to problems that affect developing permanent teeth.
Primary teeth are important for proper chewing and eating, development of speech, maintaining space for the permanent teeth, permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles, and of course self-esteem.
Why does my child need an X-ray if he/she has never had a cavity?
Cavities are just one of the many issues that are often uncovered by radiographs. The eruption pathway of permanent teeth, the bone level, and the evaluation of trauma or pathology are just a few examples of what can be missed without proper radiographs. X-rays allow dentists to diagnose and treat health conditions that cannot be detected during a visual examination. If such dental issues are found and treated early, dental care is more comfortable for your child and more affordable for you.
The frequency of dental x-rays varies from child to child, however, those with a high risk of tooth decay will typically require dental x-rays every six months to a year.
What if my child has special needs?
An essential part of pediatric dentistry is caring for people with significant medical, physical, or mental disabilities. Our team has specialized training to allow us to address special needs and provide the very best care possible. At Little House of Smiles, we realize that treatment and prevention are a team approach, and Dr.Scott/ Dr. Tello is always available to talk to parents about any specific needs your child may have before your visit.
How often does my child need to visit the Pediatric Dentist?
A majority of kids should see their pediatric dentist every 6 months without delays. Some will require a 3-month exam and cleanings due to high-risk factors and poor hygiene for the prevention of dental problems. Kids’ teeth develop decay sooner than adult teeth and do not show signs of discomfort when a small cavity develops. Hence prevention visits every 3-6 months are recommended. We hope you share in our belief that regular oral health maintenance is a sound investment in your child’s overall health. To maintain optimum oral health, we recommend that your child be seen every six months for a continuing care appointment that includes an oral examination, a cleaning, the application of fluoride, and any necessary radiographs (x-rays). Preventive care will help prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease. During your continuing care appointment, you will be asked to update your child’s dental and medical history, which may have changed since the last visit.