Whether it is your child’s first dental visit ever or just their first time at our dental office. The process will be about the same. Here at Loveland Pediatric Dentistry, we create a family-friendly, calming, and inviting environment to help your child feel relaxed during their appointment.
We use comfort dentistry to combat dental anxiety and have your child excited to come back to the dentist for their routine appointments. Especially for the first appointment, which sets the precedent for the rest of their dental life, we aim to make a safe and stress free experience for parents and patients.
If your child is ready for their first dental appointment, contact our dental team to get scheduled and start the process towards their forever smile.
When Should I Take My Child To His Or Her First Dental Checkup?
Your child should see a pediatric dentist when they turn one, or within 6 months of getting their first tooth. Having their first appointment at one is recommended so we can create a blueprint for their smile development and address any issues before they emerge. Dr. Lauren is even trained to see newborns so please call if you have any concerns about your child’s mouth at any age.
Complimentary Introduction Exams for Infants
As you may have learned, children are expensive and little things start to pile up so any additional cost can quickly stress you out. In an effort to combat this and still allow your child to get the care they need, we offer a complimentary first exam for infants (0–23 months old).
You can get all the information you need to plan their dental journey without spending a dime. This is just for the first appointment so that you can make an educated decision for your child’s oral health. Here at Loveland Pediatric Dentistry, we want to make our patients and their parents comfortable and that dental care does not add stress to their lives. This is one of the ways that we do this.
What To Expect
During your child’s first visit, we will review their dental and medical history forms and get to know them more as an individual to learn what makes them happy and comfortable.
We Get To Know Your Child
Please consider filling out our optional Personality Form to help us learn more about your child and to assess any unique needs he or she may have. The more we know, the better we can customize your child’s experience to make them comfortable! We want to make sure that your child has fun and feels excited to come back to the dentist so that they do not develop dental anxiety. The more information you can provide us with helps us achieve this.
We Introduce Them to Basic Dental Care
At the visit, we will examine their teeth and possibly do a cleaning or X-rays depending on your child’s age and needs. Our X-rays use low radiation so you should have no fear about getting the imaging needed to understand their dental health and smile alignment.
We’ll Answer Your Questions
Dr. Lauren will address all of your questions and concerns regarding your child’s dental health and development. She will guide you on what to expect with your child’s oral development and provide tips to care for their teeth. We want you and your child to have a positive, well-informed dental experience.
We’ll Review Your Child’s Dental Health History
If you have been referred to our office by another dentist, the first appointment will be to examine your child, get to know your child, and come up with a treatment plan. This is necessary before treatment can begin because every child is different and requires an individualized treatment plan. On rare occasions we are able to complete some treatment on the same day with your permission if the dentist feels that is in the child’s best interest.
Please fill out the new patient forms before you come to make your visit as easy as possible. Please have previous X-rays sent to our office. Call to find out more today!
How To Prepare Your Child for the Dentist
Your child can read your energy, so try to be as relaxed and as positive as possible. These activities could help your child get excited about their dental health:
- Read books and watch shows with your child regarding their first dental visit.
- Talk positively about your dental past (how good it feels to have your teeth cleaned, how fun it is to get a prize when you are done, etc.).
- Refrain from saying incriminating words, such as shot, hurt, etc. We have our own kid-friendly lingo that doesn’t invoke anxiety.
If your child had a negative experience in the past, reassure them that this is a fun office made just for kids and they do things very differently.
Does My Infant Actually Need Dental Care?
There are circumstances that would make your child’s first dental appointment a lot sooner than most, specifically a tongue or lip-tie. Surprisingly, there are many treatments specific to children and care that relates to adults in addition to children.
At your child’s first appointment, we will educate you on your child’s dental health so you can make an informed decision on how to move forward. Depending on the health of their smile, treatment may be necessary to make sure it does not spread to surrounding teeth or into their gums.
When it comes to the health, safety, and comfort of your child, it is better to be safe than sorry and make sure that they are not suffering from any dental ailments especially when they can be easily solved.
Find Out More Today!
Whether you are switching providers, your child has their first dental visit, or you want to know what to expect, contact Loveland Pediatric Dentistry today to speak with our dental team about any questions or concerns you have.
If you and your child are ready to protect and strengthen their smile, call us to schedule their first appointment today!
