What to Expect at Your First Dental Visit
5 Reasons Why Adults Should Get Braces
July 28, 2016
Common Orthodontic Treatment
August 11, 2016
Hardy Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics is excited to welcome you into our dental family and wants you to feel comfortable from day one starting with your first dental visit. Knowing what to expect when you walk in our front door can help eliminate those first-visit jitters you may feel from beginning a new relationship with us. We are eager and happy to help prepare you for your first dental visit and can answer any questions you may have.
Why Is it Important to Have a Visit So Early On?
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that your child has her first dental visit within six months after her first tooth erupts, or by her first birthday, whichever comes first. Scheduling the first dental visit at an early age is vital for the long-term health and development of your child’s teeth–visible and invisible.
We Make It Fun–Because it Should Be!
Dr. Nam’s dental wellness philosophy is founded on a belief that to create a lifelong appreciation and dedication to oral health you have to start when children are young. You have to help them develop a healthy relationship with the dentist early so that a positive habit is formed and a positive relationship is established. Success with dental wellness begins with the attitudes we form about dental treatment from our first dental visit and forward. Your child’s first impression with dental care can shape these attitudes and perspectives for years to come. At Hardy Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Dr. Nam is committed to making this first dental visit–and subsequent visits–fun, informative and educational. Dr. Nam’s goal is to foster an atmosphere that radiates safety, comfort, open communication and compassion for her patients and the families involved in their care. Her entire team is dedicated to nurturing positive, fear-free attitudes about dental health that are sure to create a strong foundation for oral wellness and health that will last a lifetime.
What Should We Plan for?
The primary goal of the first dental visit is for Dr. Nam to establish a relationship of trust with your child (and with you!) We want your child to know from day one that our friendly staff and experienced team are dedicated to ensuring she is comfortable and feels safe in our dental home. The first dental visit is not a long visit, but your child will have a comprehensive exam so we can assess her needs. Dr. Nam will check all of your child’s existing teeth for decay, examine your child’s bite and evaluate any potential problems she may see related to the gums, oral tissues and jaw. 3D Digital X-rays will be taken so Dr. Nam has a full view of your child’s dental health and current development. X-rays play a crucial role in the treatment planning process for your child. They reveal if all the adult teeth are growing, they show if there are any bit or jaw problems that need to be addressed and they also reveal if the child has deep decay that needs to be addressed. We use digital x-rays in our office to help reduce the amount of radiation your child is exposed to and are completely safe. Digital radiography uses approximately 1/4 the radiation of the traditional dental x-rays with 3D Planmeca Promax technology. We can also take and process the images with incredible speed compared to traditional radiography which keeps our kids happier too!
A simple dental cleaning and fluoride treatment are also included in this first dental visit so the child can become acquainted with some of our tools. Patient education is important to us, as is our desire to have you be as involved as you can in the process. To accomplish these goals, we dedicate time at the first dental visit for a thorough discussion on oral healthcare basics and to discuss any goals or questions you have.
Common Topics Addressed During the First Dental Visit
- Oral hygiene habits for cavity prevention
- Fluoride needs and education
- Oral habits (tongue thrusting, thumb sucking, biting nails)
- Milestones to look for
- Teeth eruption schedules
- Nutrition
- Dental checkup and frequency
- Medical history and information gathering
- Parent role and expectations
- Technology and tools
Call for Your First Dental Visit Appointment
Now is the time to schedule that important first dental visit for your child. Don’t delay! Remember, the best dental treatment is preventive dental treatment. Catch problems when they are small and stop them in their tracks. Hardy Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics can help your child develop a healthy, functional, and attractive smile. To learn more about our children’s dental services or to schedule an appointment, call our Erie office today at 720-887-6003.