What is Pediatric Dentistry and How are We Different?

Welcome to the exciting, playful and FUN world of pediatric dentistry! As pediatric dentists, we have the joy of partnering with families in their oral health.  Our focus is on creating positive associations with dental care from a young age to lay the foundation for a lifetime of good oral hygiene habits. Pediatric dentists receive specialized education on how to best care for their smallest patients. We can offer numerous benefits to both you as the parent and your child as the patient. As pediatric dentists, we value building relationships with families in order to understand the specific needs of your child. We take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide personalized care that meets your child’s individual needs.

The Benefits of Seeing a Pediatric Specialist
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So, why choose a pediatric dentist? Not only will your child receive specialized care, they will also be met with comfort, kindness and a deep understanding of individualized needs as our dentists approach their oral health. Children go through many rapid and important changes with their teeth over the first 12 years of life. A pediatric dentist can give your child the best possible care from the eruption of their first tooth, to the arrival of their adult teeth. Even once a tween or teen starts getting their permanent smile, a specialist will ensure they're getting the braces or other adjustments they need to have a straight, sparkling smile as an adult. Our topics of discussion will change through the years. While general dentists are your lifelong partners in oral health, us pediatric dentists have the privilege of being a part of your growing child.

Because pediatric dentists are accustomed to seeing young patients all day long, they have a caring and welcoming demeanor that helps set the right environment for a calm experience. Children often develop lifelong dental phobias due to feeling scared, rushed, or confused by their first experiences at the dentist. Choosing a pediatric dentist who will take the time to explain everything to your child and wait through their signs of discomfort so they can calm down will pay off for the rest of their life. By choosing a pediatric dentist for your child, you're establishing a positive beginning in your child’s lifelong oral health journey.

Dental Care for Children with Sensitivities

The dentist can be a place filled with unfamiliarities for your child. Pediatric dentists are experienced in dealing with sound, light, and touch sensitivity, along with difficulties sitting still for long periods or being comfortable around strangers. A pediatric dentist will work with you and your child to slowly introduce them to the idea of dental care without triggering negative reactions or causing stress for them. Even if it takes multiple visits to actually get your child to sit in the dentist's chair, you'll feel supported and welcome to take as much time as is needed to get your child ready for dental treatment. We are happy to modify our approach and make accommodations in order to meet the needs of every child.

What Makes Our Office so Different?

Our office in Muskego, Wisconsin is designed with YOUR child in mind. At our practice, we know that the dentist can be a new, perhaps overwhelming, environment for your child and our goal is to make them feel comfortable and confident in our space. Pediatric dentists flip dentistry around to evaluate from the child’s view. This will be seen from the time you walk in the door. A playhouse of toys and a welcoming environment will greet your child allowing them to become comfortable prior to their turn in the dental chair. You'll find child-sized furniture, bright colors, and calm environments in our office. Our dental team knows how to engage younger patients so they don't have to feel anxious while sitting and waiting. The playhouse is filled with toys, and even sometimes in the exam room so young patients are not as concerned about what is going on in their mouth. You'll also find that most children's dental offices offer a wide range of sedation options which may be discussed if your child requires treatment. If you have a child who is highly anxious about anything unfamiliar, it may take a few visits in the office to help them build positive associations that dispel their anxiety. Our practice incorporates elements of play and comfort to ensure that your child is excited when it is time to go to the dentist!

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When to Start Seeing a Dentist

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Early intervention is key! Good oral health starts shortly after birth. By taking care of your child's gums and teeth at home, you're preparing them for their very first visit to the dentist. It's best to see the dentist starting when your child’s first tooth emerges or within six months. That means that most children will need to see a dentist before they turn 1 year of age! By bringing your baby in for an early dental checkup, you'll start building associations that help them feel more comfortable later.

At Smile Pediatric Dentistry of Muskego, we welcome all patients with open arms and we are eager to meet families wherever they are in their child’s dental journey. Schedule an appointment with us today to help your child learn to love the dentist!