What to expect?

• Our office, along with respected organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), all advocate for establishing a "Dental Home" for your child by the age of one. Having a dental home increases the likelihood of receiving appropriate preventive and routine oral health care. The purpose of the Dental Home is to offer an alternative to the Emergency Room for parents.

• With Bliss Pediatric Dentistry as your dental home, you and your child will receive a warm welcome from our friendly staff and will be guided to the designated treatment area. We have tailored our facilities to cater to different age groups, ensuring a comfortable environment for your child's specific needs.

• For children under the age of three, we will provide a private room designed to create a comforting and engaging atmosphere for our youngest patients.

• Children over the age of three will have the opportunity to be treated in our open bay treatment area. Being surrounded by other children their age can help create a positive environment and reinforce positive behavior. However, if you prefer a more private setting, we also have closed treatment rooms available. Please inform us of your preference when scheduling your visit so that we can accommodate your needs.

• During your visit, a significant portion of the time will be dedicated to patient and parent education on oral hygiene, habit cessation, and nutrition. These educational sessions are crucial for your child's oral health. The doctor will then complete a dental examination and cleaning during the visit.

• Our office utilizes low-dose radiography, and we typically recommend X-rays for children starting around age three, approximately 6-12 months after their posterior tooth contacts have closed. X-rays are essential for detecting cavities and identifying any underlying issues that may not be visible during a clinical examination. By identifying cavities at an early stage, we can provide less invasive treatment options for your child. The frequency of X-rays for subsequent visits will be determined based on your child's cavity risk assessment.

Preparing your child

• You can make your child's first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. If they are old enough, it's beneficial to inform them about the visit and explain that the dentist and their staff will describe procedures and answer any questions. Keeping the visit low-key and minimizing unnecessary discussions will help create a better experience.

• We kindly request that parents avoid projecting any anxiety onto their children, whether consciously or unconsciously. Oftentimes, people develop dental phobias based on their experiences during childhood. Our goal is to provide the best possible experience for your child and ensure they feel comfortable and at ease when visiting the dentist's office. We kindly ask that loved ones refrain from teasing children about going to the dentist, as this can unintentionally create nervousness in young ones. It's advisable to avoid using words around your child that may induce unnecessary fear, such as "needle," "shot," "pull," "drill," or "hurt." Our office follows the practice of using words that convey the same meaning but are pleasant and non-frightening for the child.

Do I stay with my child during the appointments?

• You are welcome to be present with your child for examination appointments. If your child needs dental work, we request that parents leave the treatment room. There are windows in all our treatment rooms, so parents are welcome to view their child outside the treatment room during the entire procedure.

• Our team has extensive experience in helping children overcome anxiety. It is not uncommon for children to experience separation anxiety, so please don't worry if your child displays some negative behavior. This is normal and will soon subside. Studies and experience have demonstrated that most children over the age of 3 respond more positively when they are allowed to experience the dental visit independently in an environment designed specifically for children.

• In the absence of a parent in the room, our team has the undivided attention of the child as we guide them through the procedure. We have specialized training in how to manage anxious children in such scenarios, and our approach involves distracting the child in conversations or diverting their attention towards the TV screen above them. Additionally, we ensure their comfort while administering nitrous oxide and aim to complete the procedure as painlessly and as easy as possible. Our main goal is to gain your child's trust and help them feel more comfortable.