Children's Dentistry in Durham
Help your child maintain healthy teeth at Croasdaile Dental Arts.
Your child’s smile is precious, but problems like costly tooth decay can develop if not appropriately maintained. Together with your local dentist, your child can learn great hygiene techniques and maintain excellent oral health.
A children’s dentist can perform routine cleanings, evaluate your child’s mouth, and recommend the best ways to maintain or improve dental hygiene. In addition to dental cleanings and exams, we offer fluoride treatments and sealants to protect children’s teeth.
Not going to the dentist as a child can lead to:
Your child should visit the dentist by the age of one or within six months of the first tooth showing. Our warm and inviting office helps ensure you and your child feel relaxed from the moment you walk in for your first visit.
Benefits of Children’s Dentistry
Early dental visits to a kid-friendly office can lessen dental fear or stress.
The dentist teaches your child how to brush and floss properly and encourages a healthy routine.
Regular visits help patients save time and money by preventing dental issues in the long run.
The Children’s Dentistry Visit Explained
Our office at Croasdaile Dental Arts is warm, calm, and inviting.
From toddlers to young children and teens, we’ll work closely with each child and the parents or guardians to ensure a pleasant visit. There’s no reason for children to be scared of the dentist, and our fun office proves just that!
We strive to make your child feel comfortable at the dentist – at the first visit and follow-up appointments as well. A healthy smile is created with a lifetime of great dental hygiene, and this starts at a young age.
- Step 1
Our friendly staff greets you and your child in the office. Even if this is your first time, the warm atmosphere will instantly put you at ease.
- Step 2
The dental hygienist or dentist reviews your child’s medical history, examines the mouth, and gently cleans it. If needed, an x-ray is taken.
- Step 3
After the exam and cleaning, we’ll recommend any next steps, such as fluoride treatments, sealants, fillings, etc. Early on, we’ll focus on teaching your child how to brush and floss properly, along with teaching ways to keep teeth and gums healthy.
If you or your child have any questions, our staff will answer them and provide any additional resources to help your child have a happy and healthy smile.
FAQ about Children’s Dentistry
- What ages do pediatric dentists see?
Pediatric dentists are for children as young as six months to a year, to the time the adult teeth are grown in older children.
Some patients stay with their pediatric dentist even in their teen years when the adult teeth have grown. A benefit of this is that the dentist personally knows them and their dental history.
You and your child can decide when it’s time to switch to a general dentist.
- What is the difference between a dentist and a pediatric dentist?
General dentists are for younger to older patients, while a pediatric dentist specializes in younger age groups to create, maintain, and improve a child’s dental health.
A children’s dentist is also familiar with ways to help calm a child, and the staff takes extra steps to make sure everyone feels comfortable at the dentist appointment. The pleasant atmosphere helps young children who may be afraid at their first dentist visit and also helps ease anxiety for special needs children who may be more sensitive to their surroundings.
Pediatric dentists complete extra schooling to treat children with the specific care they need while growing.
- What does pediatric dentistry do?
Pediatric dentistry specializes in dental care for children from the infant and toddler stages to teen years. They are trained to work with children through the different stages of childhood to help maintain and treat healthy teeth and gums.
In addition to working as dentists, they work as teachers to help guide children and their parents on ways to form excellent dental hygiene habits at home.
- Should I take my child to a pediatric dentist?
You should take your child to visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting.
Children with complex dental issues, unique to their age group, may also benefit from a pediatric dentist, along with children who have behavioral issues may benefit from specialized care.
One of the biggest benefits of visiting a children’s dentist is the warm and inviting atmosphere that helps children feel comfortable at the dentist, especially if it’s their first visit or if they’re more on the sensitive side.
This initial experience with a pediatric dentist helps give your child a pleasant first experience and helps prevent dental anxiety in the future.
- Do pediatric dentists cost more?
The cost of pediatric dentists depends on where you live and the treatment your child receives.
To learn more about costs and insurance coverage for your dental visit, please contact us today.