Pediatric Dentist
At what age should my child first visit the dentist?
“First visit by first birthday” is the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Early visits to the dentist help to promote healthy oral habits and establish positive dental experiences for your child.
What do I tell my child about their dental visit?
We encourage you to talk to your child about their dental visit in a positive way. Tell them the dentist is going to count and clean their teeth and may take pictures of their teeth. Do not tell them: “it won’t hurt”. This only gives them the idea that it could hurt. Also avoid using the words “shot”, “needle”, “pull” or “drill”. Please remember that your child has no reason to fear the dentist unless they perceive fear from you.
What will happen during my child’s first visit?
The dentist will examine your child’s teeth and gums, checking for decay and any other problems. They will also evaluate your child’s bite and jaw alignment and evaluate spacing for permanent teeth. Any of your questions or concerns will also be answered at this time.
In addition to the examination, digital radiographs (x-rays) may be taken to detect hidden tooth decay and to view the placement of permanent teeth.
Prophylaxis, or cleaning, will also be performed and oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing and proper nutrition will be discussed. Finally, fluoride will be applied to your child’s teeth to help maintain the enamel in its strongest condition.
**If any problems are detected during the examination, the dentist will also discuss their proposed plan of treatment with you. FOR THIS REASON IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE NATURAL PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN BE PRESENT AT THEIR CHILD’S FIRST APPOINTMENT. Your signature will also be required on your child’s future treatment plan and before consecutive visits can be scheduled.
May I stay with my child during their visit?
We invite parents or legal guardians to remain with their child during their initial examination, but suggest that during future appointments you allow our staff to accompany your child through their dental treatment. Our purpose is to gain your child’s confidence and overcome apprehension and we can usually develop a closer rapport with your child when you are not present. You may certainly accompany your child to the treatment room if you so choose, but we do ask that you be a “silent partner” and stand by quietly in order to give our staff the opportunity to establish communication and trust directly with your child. For the safety and privacy of all patients, we request that other children who are not being treated remain in the reception area with a supervising adult.
**It is very important that you do not leave our office during your child’s appointment. Situations may arise when we need to speak to you about their treatment plan or emergency situations.
NEW PATIENTS:
Your First Visit with the Orthodontist
At what age should my child first visit the orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a check-up with an orthodontist at age seven. This initial examination may identify a developing problem while baby teeth are still present. The orthodontist may recommend treatment at this time or may choose to monitor the child’s growth and development, recommending needed treatment when it is appropriate.
What will happen during the first visit with the orthodontist?
The first appointment is for a preliminary clinical examination to determine if there is a need for orthodontic treatment. You will be advised on the general nature of the orthodontic problem and given a rough estimate of what the total fee will be. If the patient is not ready to start treatment at this time, he or she will be placed on recall for periodic observation. If orthodontic treatment is indicated, an appointment will be set up for diagnostic records.
What are diagnostic records?
If orthodontic treatment is needed, the patient will be scheduled for a second appointment to take Diagnostic Records. Impressions will be taken to make models of the teeth, as well as photographs and x-rays, which Dr. Pyle will use to arrive at a diagnosis and course of treatment for the patient. Diagnostic records may also be taken at the time of the new patient exam if time permits.
What is the case presentation?
During the case presentation Dr. Pyle will present his diagnosis, treatment plan and total fee in detail to the patient. This appointment will require at least one parent to be present if the patient is a minor.
What are the fees for orthodontic treatment?
Charges for the new patient exam, diagnostic records and case presentation are complimentary. The cost for orthodontic treatment varies greatly between patients and will be discussed in detail during the case presentation.
Will my insurance cover orthodontic treatment?
Many insurances programs will cover a lifetime maximum amount for orthodontics between $1000 - $2500. Please bring your dental insurance card to your first appointment so that we may verify your benefits. We will submit the insurance claim on your behalf and deduct the verified benefit from your treatment cost.
When are appointments scheduled?
In order to facilitate the efficiency of our office, certain types of appointments are scheduled at specific times of the day. It is impossible to schedule all of our school age children after school. After school appointments will be rotated among all paitents on an equal basis.
NEW PATIENTS:
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