Pediatric Dental Care in Georgia

What Sets Pediatric Dentistry Apart?

Dental care for children requires specialized training and education beyond the four postgraduate years of general dentistry school. Kid’s dentists must complete another two to three years of a demanding pediatric dentistry program. This extra training includes hands-on study in a hospital where children’s dentists work with patients who require more intensive dental care and emergencies that require the attention of a pediatric oral surgeon.

Pediatric dentistry addresses the dental needs of all kids, including infants, toddlers, tweens and adolescents. Our knowledgeable pediatric dental specialists understand that your child’s dental health plays an important role in overall health, so we communicate closely with your child’s pediatrician or general dentist.

Why Should My Child Visit a Pediatric Dentist?

You will find the specialized care your child needs at a children's pediatric dentistry practice. If you have a toddler, a toddler dentist will perform a gentle dental cleaning for kids that helps to protect baby teeth from decay and disease. As kids get older, a children’s dentist is uniquely experienced in tracking your child’s dental development so that potential issues are spotted early. This ensures that preventable problems are avoided, making the minimal cost of a pediatric dental visit even more affordable.

Adolescent children have special dental needs, too, and pediatric dentists are trained to talk sensitively to teens about behaviors and habits that may harm their oral health. At every stage of your child’s life, pediatric dental specialists can provide the care that helps keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. They’re also terrific resources for helping you and your child learn how to care for your child’s teeth and gums at home.

When Should Children First Go to the Dentist?

Plaque and bacteria can begin developing as soon as your child’s first tooth emerges. So it’s always best to schedule your child’s first visit by their first or second birthdays. First visits are exciting and often a little intimidating for children, so we strive to put them at ease with a fun, friendly environment.

During this first visit, our dentist will thoroughly examine your child’s teeth, gums, jaw and oral tissues. The dentist will be looking for signs of decay, disease or developmental issues that need to be addressed. You can help make your child’s visit to the dentist enjoyable by talking positively about the visit and staying relaxed while your child is here. You may also want to consider rewarding your child after the visit with a tooth-friendly treat.

What Will Happen During My Child’s First Dental Visit?

Your child’s first visit to the dentist is an important milestone, and we make your time here as comfortable, positive and productive as possible. The most important goal of this first visit is to develop a treatment plan that suits your child’s individual needs. The plan is based on the information we gather during your child’s visit. You can expect your child to have:

• Routine x-rays
• A complete dental cleaning
• A pediatric periodontics assessment
• Guidance on brushing and flossing your child’s teeth

Time for you to ask our experienced dentist about your concerns

This first visit is a good time for you to learn more about your child’s dental development and discover how you can help ensure your little one enjoys good oral health. Issues such as teething, thumb-sucking, sleeping with sippy cups and frequent snacking can affect your child’s teeth, and we’re always happy to discuss these issues with you. We may also recommend strengthening your child’s teeth with fluoride or taking proactive steps to prevent cavities with treatments such as sealants.

How Do You Find a Dentist for Your Special Needs Child?

It can be especially difficult to find a dentist who can care for your special needs kids. Our dentists’ advanced training gives them the skills they need to work well with special needs, whether it’s a matter of using behavior management strategies or sedation techniques to make your child comfortable during treatment. If you’re looking for a dentist with special needs experience, call our office today. Our team is happy to talk with you about our individualized programs.