The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children be seen by a dentist no later than 12 months of age. This first visit will enable Dr. Bird to evaluate your child's teeth and discuss proper oral hygiene, diet, fluoride, tooth eruption, and finger or pacifier habits with you. By following this guideline, a parent and their child will establish a relationship with Dr. Bird and her staff and feel comfortable seeking routine and/or emergency dental care at Bird Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics as their child ages. Starting dental appointments early will help prevent problems in the future and will help to ensure a positive attitude toward dental care.
Why A Pediatric Dentist?
Many parents choose a pediatric dentist for their child's dental needs, just as they prefer a pediatrician for their child's medical needs.
Dr. Bird is a specialist who has completed two years of additional training after becoming a general dentist to meet the unique dental needs of infants, children, and teens. Dr. Bird and her staff strive to make the child's experience safe, comfortable, educational and fun.
Treatment
Dr. Bird will examine your child's teeth and determine if dental x-rays are needed. Our office uses state-of-the-art digital x-ray equipment for high-quality images with low radiation.
Dr. Bird uses a variety of dental materials for filling cavities, such as white composite fillings, silver amalgam fillings, and stainless steel crowns, depending on the child's treatment needs. Dr. Bird's recommendations are based on what she believes is in your child's best interest. Sealants are placed on permanent teeth as they erupt to help prevent cavities from forming.
Sedation
Dr. Bird uses nitrous oxide (laughing gas) when needed to treat anxious or young children. The gas is combined with oxygen and breathed in through your child's nose. It is a mild sedative and your child will remain awake but relaxed during treatment. After treatment, the nitrous is turned off and oxygen is administered and the effects wear off almost immediately.
Sometimes children are not able to cooperate for in-office dental treatment due to their young age, extent of treatment needs or extreme dental phobia. In these cases, Dr. Bird recommends their treatment be completed in an outpatient surgery setting at Carolina's Medical Center.
Parent Participation
As the parent, you are welcome to accompany your child into the treatment area during the initial exam. However, to better establish trust with your child and to encourage independence, we like them to come back by themselves when they feel comfortable, usually around age three. Expect your child to do well and enjoy their visit to our office and chances are they will do just that!
Please remember that sometimes young children cry when faced with new and unfamiliar situations. This can be a normal reaction and we will work to help your child overcome any apprehension they might have so that they have a positive attitude towards dental treatment as they grow up.