Our friendly dentists and team at Pine Ridge Dental are happy to care for patients of all ages. To ensure that we can meet the dental needs of even our youngest patients, we offer pediatric dental care. Your child’s first dental visit will be short and will likely not involve much treatment. The purpose of this appointment is to give your child the chance to meet our dentists in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. We want your child to become comfortable with our team.
We may ask you to sit in the dental chair, holding your child, during their dental exam. We may also ask you to wait in the reception area for part of the visit so trust can be built between your child and our team. Our dentists will check your child’s teeth for signs of decay, examine their bite and look for problems with the gums, jaw and oral tissues. Our hygienist may gently clean your child’s teeth. Our team will then educate you about dental health care basics for children. We may discuss the following subjects with you:
- Proper oral hygiene practices for your child’s teeth and gums
- Fluoride
- Oral habits like thumb sucking
- Developmental milestones
- Teething
- Nutrition
- Future dental checkups
Sealants are another treatment we may recommend for your child. Dental sealants are very thin coatings made of resin that are typically applied to the permanent back teeth (molars and premolars) when they come in. The sealant creates a barrier on the tooth, which helps to block out bacteria, food particles and plaque that lead to tooth decay, and the sealant also forms a smooth surface on the tooth that is easier to keep clean with regular brushing. Our dentists may recommend dental sealants to help your child prevent tooth decay and keep their teeth healthy.
For more information about pediatric dentistry in Lincoln, Nebraska, and to set up your child’s next visit to our office, we welcome you to contact us today at 402-423-1100.