Pediatric Dentistry Eastlake

Restorative Treatments

At Eastlake Family Dentistry, we offer a range of restorative treatments designed to repair the function and appearance of your child’s smile. Understanding the common occurrence of cavities in children, we provide dental fillings as a primary method of restoring your child’s damaged tooth to its normal function and shape.

These fillings are carefully crafted to match the exact color of your child’s existing teeth, ensuring an integrated, natural appearance. 

Another common restorative procedure we provide is the application of dental crowns. These are used when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed. Our dental crowns are tailored specifically to fit your child’s tooth, offering a long-lasting solution that strengthens the tooth and restores its functionality.

At our clinic, we utilize advanced, child-friendly techniques to ensure that your child’s dental experience is as comfortable and pain-free as possible.

Behavior Management Techniques  

At Eastlake Family Dentistry, we understand that a dental visit can be a daunting experience for a child. Our dedicated team employs a variety of behavior management techniques to create a positive, stress-free dental experience for our young patients.

We consider the age, emotional development, and overall health of your child, tailoring our approach to best fit their needs. Our team is adept at using communication techniques that are easy for children to understand, alleviating their anxiety, and fostering a friendly, trusting relationship.

We also incorporate distraction techniques and positive reinforcement to make the dental visit an enjoyable experience. With a gentle approach and a focus on patient education, we aim to instill a positive attitude towards oral health in our young patients, setting them on the path to maintaining good dental habits into adulthood.

Orthodontic Evaluation

Orthodontic evaluation is an essential part of our pediatric dental services. This process helps us assess your child’s oral development and identify any potential alignment issues at an early stage. During this evaluation, our skilled professionals review your child’s dental and medical history, conduct a thorough oral examination, and take necessary X-rays. This comprehensive assessment allows us to determine the position and growth of your child’s teeth and jaw.

Early intervention is crucial when it comes to alignment issues. It allows for more effective treatment, potentially preventing the need for more invasive corrective procedures in the future.

Tips for Helping Your Child Feel Comfortable at the Dentist

Start Early: Introduce your child to the dentist at a young age, even before they require treatment. This initial exposure to the dental environment can help to dispel any fears or anxiety your child might be feeling.

Use Positive Reinforcement: Encourage and praise your child for their bravery during dental visits. This positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and make future visits more enjoyable.

Make Dental Visits Fun: Play pretend dental visits at home where you explain what dentists do in straightforward and friendly language. Read books about dental visits or watch educational videos that depict the dentist as a friendly figure.

Stay Calm: Children pick up on their parent’s emotions. So, if you display a relaxed attitude, your child is likely to feel more at ease.

Bring Comfort Items: Allowing your child to bring along a favorite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal can provide a sense of security and familiarity in the unfamiliar environment of a dental clinic. 

Choose the Right Time: Scheduling dental appointments at a time when your child is well-rested and alert can significantly impact their overall experience at the dental clinic. A tired child is likely to be more irritable and less cooperative during their visit, making the process more challenging for everyone involved.

FAQs  

At what age should my child have their first dental visit?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child should have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth eruption, whichever occurs first.

How often should my child have a dental check-up?  

It’s recommended that children have a dental check-up every six months. However, the dentist may recommend more frequent visits depending on the child’s individual oral health needs.

What can I expect during my child’s first dental appointment?  

During your child’s first dental appointment, we will conduct a thorough oral examination to assess the health of your child’s teeth, jaw, and gums. This visit also involves a gentle cleaning to remove any plaque build-up and provide your child with a fresh, clean smile. We’ll also spend time educating both you and your child about proper oral hygiene practices at home. The aim is to make your child comfortable and to establish a positive foundation for future visits.

What are some tips for maintaining my child’s oral hygiene at home?  

Maintaining your child’s oral hygiene at home involves a few essential practices. First, encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between their teeth daily. Introduce flossing as soon as two teeth touch each other.

Secondly, maintain a balanced diet and limit snacks that are high in sugar. Regularly replace your child’s toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles are frayed.

Lastly, make regular dental visits a priority to monitor your child’s oral health and catch potential issues early.

Are dental X-rays safe for children?  

Yes, dental X-rays are safe for children. At our clinic, we follow all necessary precautions to minimize radiation exposure. Our state-of-the-art equipment produces extremely low levels of radiation and we also use protective measures like leaded aprons and collars to protect your child.

Do you accept dental insurance for pediatric services?  

We accept over ten dental insurance plans and pediatric services are included in those plans.

What types of payment options are available for pediatric dental treatments?  

We offer many convenient payment options for those without insurance. In addition to traditional payment options, including cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. We will soon be offering an Eastlake Family Dentistry loyalty plan.