Dentistry for Children

Your First Dental Visit: What To Expect

Our practice is committed to providing your child with safe, gentle, high-quality dental care. Your first visit is all about your child – their comfort, their happiness, and their health.

During your child’s first visit, we will:

    • Review the dental and medical history forms
    • Take x-rays of the teeth and mouth (if needed and able)
    • Clean and polish their teeth, checking for any signs of tooth decay and gingivitis
    • Preventative oral hygiene instruction as needed

    After their checkup and teeth cleaning are complete, the doctor will meet with you to discuss x-rays, answer any questions you may have and develop an individual treatment plan if follow up visits are needed.

    Contact Us →

    Remember to bring these with to your first appointment:

      • Your completed patient information form and caries risk assessment
      • Your primary insurance card if you would like us to assist you in filing the claim for your reimbursement

      Regular checkups are an important part of maintaining a healthy smile!

      The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends visiting your dentist every six months for regular checkups, routine teeth cleanings, and preventative fluoride application to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

      We understand that you have a busy schedule, so when you’re preparing to visit us for the first time, please remember that your appointments can last between 60 and 90 minutes.

      This Team Treats You Like Family

      We really do treat our patients like they are our own kids. And at this point, it’s not hard to imagine why — a lot of the patients we’ve treated as kids are now bringing in their own kids to see us!

      Every single person you will meet on our team truly cares about your kids and wants the absolute best for them. We’re passionate about providing excellent treatment, and we’re invested in building long-term relationships with the families in our community.

      Office Visits:

      When should I schedule my baby’s first visit?

      The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your baby’s first dentist appointment be within six months of their first tooth. This will usually take place around their first birthday. Tooth decay can happen early so the earlier you get your little one in for a visit, the better! While you’re here we will also look for any other issues and early problems your baby might have such has frenum attachments that might prevent your baby from eating properly.

      What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist?

      All dental specialists (pediatric dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and others)begin by completing dental school, then continue their education with many years of training in a specialized field. While training in the field of pediatric dentistry, pediatric dentists gain extensive knowledge and experience in treating infants, children, and adolescents.

      What will our first dental visit be like?

      We have designed our office for young visitors. Everything from our staff, office design, decorations, and activities are all made to work harmoniously to provide a friendly and comfortable environment for children. The process for your child’s first visit is simple and will typically consist of a comprehensive exam, x-rays if needed, and a cleaning. During the exam, the doctor will check your child’s teeth for any potential problems with the teeth, gums, and jaw. We will answer any questions you might have about your child’s oral development and provide you with materials and helpful tips and tricks to help you keep your child’s teeth healthy at home.

      How often should my child come in?

      For children to maintain healthy dental hygiene, it is recommended that children get check-up exams and cleanings every six months. Depending on your child’s oral health, we may recommend more frequent visits. We will give your child a ‘toothbrush grade’ that will allow you to help track and monitor the success of your child’s oral hygiene.

      What is a self-prophy?

      Sometimes our patients need some special oral hygiene instructions, and we offer a special cleaning visit three months after their regular visit called a self-prophy. In this visit, the patient will bring their toothbrush and toothpaste from home. They will get some one-on-one time with one of our specially trained hygienists that will help identify any difficulties your child might be having with their dental hygiene routine.

      How can I best prepare my child for their first visit?

      The biggest thing you can do to help your child prepare for their first visit is to have a positive attitude. Children are incredibly perceptive and can pick up on your emotions. Be sure to use positive language when talking about the dentist and their first visit. Below is a list of child-friendly terms.

      Dental Terms
      Plaque/Tartar
      Polisher
      Suction
      X-rays
      Exam
      Fluoride

      Child-friendly Terms
      Sugar Bugs
      Spin Brush/”sparkling” your teeth
      Mr. Thirsty
      Pictures
      Counting Teeth
      Tooth Vitamins

      A huge part of eliminating fear is knowing what to expect. We highly recommend either coming into the office for a tour or doing an online office tour before your child’s first visit. Reading books about first dental visits can also be very helpful. Some of our favorites include: Just Going to the Dentist by Mercer Mayer, Curious George Visits the Dentist by Margret and H.A. Reys, and The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Jan and Stan Berenstain.

      Be sure to let your child know how important keeping their teeth and gums healthy is and that pediatric dentists will take care of their teeth. We also invite your child to bring their favorite stuffed animal or toy with them for extra comfort. We are specially trained to handle your child’s fears and anxiety, and we believe that putting children at ease during treatment is essential.

      Voted Best In Dallas

      We’re proud to be rated the #1 Dentist in Dallas since 2013! It’s an honor to know the Dallas community trusts us for quality dental and orthodontic care! Thank you!