Services

Dentistry Customized to Your Child's Needs

For a lifetime of dental health, it's vital that your children get off to a good start. This is why we try hard to create a positive environment in order to put children at ease, and to minimize any possible discomfort. A caring, competent dental professional can make a great difference.

Even infants are susceptible to cavities. Problems with baby teeth, such as misalignment or decay, can damage permanent teeth before they're even erupted. Addressing such problems at an early stage can prevent bigger problems later on. We, at Wright Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, are trained to recognize the special needs of small children and adolescents.

• Infants, Children, Teens & Patients with Special Needs
• Preventive Dentistry
• Nitrous Oxide
• Oral Sedation
• IV Sedation
• Sports Dentistry
• Emergency Care
• New Patients Welcome

Important Info

At Wright Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, our goal is to take the fear out of dentistry. Please read the following information from Dr. Jody before coming in with your child for his/her first visit.

Preparing for the Appointment
You, as a parent, are the key to the level of dental health your child will enjoy for the rest of his or her life.

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The First Visit
We typically begin seeing children at 12-18 months. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests the first visit by the age of one. This first appointment is an educational visit. We will discuss diet, hygiene, growth and development, fluoride uses, teething, and habit issues. We will specifically design a home care routine with you to promote healthy teeth and gums. We will also complete a comprehensive examination.
Four out of ten children have cavities by the time they are three years old. This is another reason we like to see them at age one. We can form good habits at an early age. Your child's regular check ups will provide the key to your child's lifetime of dental health. These visits combine brushing and flossing skills review, a thorough exam, a cleaning (if needed), x-rays (when necessary) and a fluoride treatment. Our strong preventive approach helps to eliminate the need for more extensive dental treatment.
At the office, we ask that you refrain from using words such as pain or hurt. The children are very impressionable. Certain words can trigger anxiety and apprehension. We want the children to be as comfortable as possible.

If you want to prepare your child for his/her visit, you can say, "Tomorrow you are going to see Dr. Jody. She is your dentist. She likes to give prizes to good little girls and boys. Tomorrow she will show you how to get the sugar bugs off your teeth so you will have happy, shiny teeth. I will be so proud of you when you help Dr. Jody. I bet she will let you have a prize when you are done."

Parents with Us During Treatment
Although many dentists forbid a parent in the treatment room, we believe that dentistry is a family affair: your support for your child during the appointment is both helpful and encouraged. We will bring an extra chair into the operatory and enjoy your company. You may ask questions, hold your child's hand, and join us in conversation. We like to keep the mood light and fun during these appointments. However, even if your child is not cooperating and we have started the work, the treatment should still be completed. At these times we use a soft voice control technique to gain the child's trust and cooperation. Your continued support during these moments can make a great difference in the success of the visit.
Children under six years of age will have their dental treatment done before 1:00 pm. This allows us to take care of them before naptime when they are happier and brighter.

Managing Fear
Children are more important than their teeth. This may seem like a strange statement from a dentist, but it is how I feel. I am well trained to restore your child's mouth to comfort, appearance, and health. Our greater responsibility is to provide this treatment without unduly upsetting your child. While you are in the operatory with us, you will watch us continually assess your child's acceptance of the treatment we are providing. The levels of behavior management are:

1. Most children do well with our positive attitudes and continual conversation.
2. If a child is apprehensive, we will administer nitrous oxide (laughing gas).
3. If a child is still anxious even with nitrous oxide, we will stop and discuss oral sedation or IV sedation.