ANXIETY-FREE DENTAL CARE

Our compassionate staff delivers high-quality dental care and makes great efforts to alleviate any anxiety associated with dental visits. It’s our goal to teach children how to establish good oral health habits to prevent additional treatment beyond cleanings, caused by cavities. We offer fun incentives, like our No Cavity Club, and a kid-centered environment to encourage patients to look forward to visiting our office!

What to Expect

FIRST VISIT

Before any work is done, you and your child will be introduced to our dental team. Depending on the need, diagnostic x-rays may be taken to determine your child’s dental condition. During the examination of your child’s mouth, head and neck, the doctor will discuss with you the results of the examination and any treatment recommendations. Your child’s teeth may be cleaned and a preventative fluoride treatment given. Additional services will be scheduled for a later date.

Tips
  • Have fun preparing your child for their first visit, like you would their first hair cut or traveling for a trip. Setting the expectation that the experience will be a fun and positive one, will help ease any anxiety your child might feel and increase your chances of an enjoyable visit.
  • Having your forms filled out in advance will help expedite the check-in process and give you more time to ensure your child is excited to meet the doctor versus apprehensive about what’s to come.

ONE-ON-ONE RELATIONSHIP

Each child is a unique individual and we try very hard to treat them as such and gain the confidence of every patient. We will explain what we’re doing in “friendly” terms that your child will understand. Please permit us the time to develop rapport with your child and motivate them to engage in healthy oral habits.

Can parents join the appointment?
We always welcome parents to accompany their child during dental visits. However, if your child is over the age of 3, studies and experience have shown children react more positively when permitted to experience the dental visit on their own and enjoy the opportunity to exert their independence. We place great value on ensuring both parents and children are well educated on any services or procedures being performed to give you confidence.

RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY

Restorative dentistry is dental work required as the result of cavities. Pediatric Dentistry of Hamburg performs all types of restorative dentistry on our patients through the most appropriate method of sedation for the comfort and safety of your individual child. In a continued effort to provide the best for your child, we offer only tooth-colored fillings.

PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY

Our mission is to motivate and teach children how to care for their teeth so that they last a lifetime. It’s a joint effort between us, your child and you to establish healthy oral habits – we are a team! A check-up appointment every 6 months helps ensure your child’s teeth are growing properly with no underlying problems. Cleanings, fluoride treatment, sealants, and when necessary, preventive resin restorations (PRRs) are measures taken before a full-blown cavity is present.

SEDATION OPTIONS

Nitrous Oxide

Better known as “Laughing Gas”, nitrous oxide is our most commonly used tool to help patients feel less anxious and more comfortable during restorative procedures.

Oral Conscious Sedation

This type of sedation may be indicated for children that have very high anxiety, children that are very young and do not understand how to be cooperative in a dental setting, children with special needs, and children who require extensive dental treatment. Medication is given to the child in the office to reduce anxiety and enhance cooperation. Although the child is NOT unconscious and breathes completely on their own, we still monitor their vital signs continuously.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia may be indicated for children with extensive treatment needs that are extremely uncooperative, special needs patients, or patients that are too young to be a candidate for sedation. All our procedures performed under general anesthesia are performed at Baptist Health in Lexington or Georgetown Community Hospital and are monitored by an anesthesiologist.

Other Faqs

WHAT AGE SHOULD MY CHILD SEE A PEDIATRIC DENTIST?
The AAPD recommends that your child should be seen no later than 6 months after their first tooth erupts from the gum. Your child’s first birthday is an excellent time for their first dental visit. Little teeth need as much attention as “big teeth” to prevent decay and encourage life-long healthy habits.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY CHILD VISIT THE DENTIST?

Generally, your child should see the dentist every 6 months. Tracking oral habits, hygiene, and growth regularly is essential to ensure we can prevent any arising issues before restorative actions have to be taken.

WHEN SHOULD I START BRUSHING MY CHILD’S TEETH?

Even before your baby’s first tooth appears, we recommend you clean his gums after feedings with a damp, soft washcloth. As soon as his first tooth appears, you can start using a toothbrush. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head. You can most likely find a toothbrush designed for infants at your local drugstore. Non-Fluoride toothpaste should be used on children under the age of 3, as fluoride can be dangerous for very young children.

Tips for toddler tooth brushing:

  • Let your child pick out a few toothbrushes with his favorite characters and give him a choice of which one he wants to use each time. This will give him some feeling of control over the situation.
  • Let your child brush his own teeth first, you will likely have to “help out” to ensure they are thoroughly brushed.
  • Let your child read some children’s books about tooth brushing.
  • Brush your teeth along with your child. Doing it together can create a more appealing experience.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CHILD USES A PACIFIER OR SUCKS HIS/HER THUMB?

Thumb Sucking
The large majority of children suck their thumbs or fingers as infants, and most grow out of it by the age of four, without causing any permanent damage to their teeth. If your child continues sucking after permanent teeth erupt, or sucks aggressively, let us know and we can check to see if any problems may arise from the habit.

Pacifiers
According to the AAPD, this type of sucking is completely normal for babies and toddlers. It provides security. Most children stop sucking on thumbs, pacifiers or other objects on their own between 2 and 4 years of age. Although thumb, finger and pacifier sucking affect the teeth and jaws essentially the same way, a pacifier habit is often easier to break. Attempting to remove a pacifier too early can lead to other sucking habits that are harder to get rid of down the road. We recommend trying to discontinue pacifier use by age 3. We monitor your child’s development at each 6 month checkup, but if you’re concerned about the impact a sucking habit is having on your child’s teeth and jaws, please let us know and we can address it specifically for your child.

DOES MY CHILD NEED BRACES?
If your child is age 7 or older, it’s time to visit an orthodontist. The earlier you can get your child in for an examination with an orthodontist, the easier it will be to ensure they start treatment at the right time to obtain the best results on the easiest path. Contact us for a referral!
DOES PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY COST MORE THAN GENERAL DENTISTRY?

Every parent wants the best for their children, regardless of financial means, and we do too! Our practice accepts most insurances, including Kentucky Medicaid and KCHIP. We are happy to work with you to create a dental hygiene plan for your child that will suit you and your family’s financial needs.

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