FAQ’s

How Do I Prepare My Child For My First Dentist Visit?

The best way to prepare a child for a dentist appointment is to tell them about what dentists do! You can explore pictures, books, and videos online that demonstrate what a visit to the dentist is like. We invite you to explore the videos on our website that will acquaint your child with our office and our dentists. We are positive this will help them to be excited about their first dental visit!

Are Dental X-Rays Safe For Children?

Yes! Although X-rays do have radiation, the amount of radiation exposure is very minimal. Furthermore, the technological advances made with digital x-rays have even further reduced the amount of radiation exposure. But to alleviate any other concerns, all patients will wear a lead-lined covering to block all unnecessary exposure.

How Often Should Kids Go To The Dentist?

It is recommended that children visit the dentist every 6 months, this allows for a routine cleaning and an exam. Regular visits to the dentist have been shown to reduce serious dental disease and maximize prevention.

When Should A Child Start Using Dental Floss?

A child should begin to use dental floss between the ages of two and six. Or, as soon as their teeth become closer together. Remember, a toothbrush can’t reach between teeth that touch, flossing is extremely important to reach areas that toothbrushes can’t.

Does My Child Need Dental Sealants?

A sealant is a thin, tooth-colored coating that is applied to the biting surfaces of molars. Sealants are a great precaution to keep teeth healthy and cavity-free! Sealants are usually recommended with children as soon as their permanent molars erupt, usually around age 6.

What Type Of Services Do You Offer?

Paseo Ranch Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics offers complete and comprehensive care for kids of all ages, from infants through 18 years of age. We offer a variety of preventative services, including cleanings, sealants, and fluoride treatment. We also offer many options for treating tooth decay like fillings and crowns. We also have sedation options for those that are either too young or extremely fearful. Furthermore, We also offer full-service orthodontic treatment. We do all of this in a comfortable environment with a caring team approach.

What Should I Expect At My Child's First Visit?

Usually, a first dental visit takes about 30-45 minutes. This will include an examination, a cleaning, x-rays, and fluoride treatment. You will have the opportunity to meet the dentist and talk to him about your child’s individual oral health care needs and to make sure everything is developing properly. These services are tailored to your child’s age and abilities.

How Can I Help My Child Avoid Cavities?

Start by encouraging good habits early on, getting your child to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and floss regularly. Remember to take your child to the dentist every 6 months for check-ups. This way problems can be detected treated early. A few “pearls” of wisdom are: 1) avoid sugary drinks and foods between meals. Snacks between meals should be healthy. Limit sugary drinks and treats to during/directly after mealtimes. 2) Remember the rule of 3×2: brush, floss, and rinse two times a day!

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe For Children?

When done properly with qualified providers, sedation and anesthesia can be done very safely and predictably. Our office only uses board-certified anesthesiologists for sedation.

Why Can’t My Child Eat Before The Sedation? Why Is Sedation Used In Children’s Dentistry?

Sometimes the anesthesia medications/process can cause nausea. If food or other contents of the stomach are vomited/aspirated into the lungs it can affect the patient’s airway and present other serious complications. When children are either too young or too fearful/uncooperative for dental treatment, sedation and anesthesia are excellent options for completing dental treatment. Our office will use every option possible to help children get through their dental care in a safe and encouraging manner, but when this is not possible Sedation/anesthesia may be recommended.

What Types Of Sedation Are Used For Children?

Our office uses 2 types of sedation/anesthesia. First, we offer nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) to either young patients or patients that are just a bit nervous or scared of dental treatment. This option does not put the child to “sleep”, but works in a calming, relaxing manner to “take the edge off” of any nervousness. The second option is general anesthesia/deep sedation. This is the process of placing the patient under anesthesia in a state of “sleep” or “unawareness”. Patients who experience this option will be asleep before dental treatment begins, and thus, will have no memory of the dental treatment. This option is performed in partnership with licenses, board-certified dental anesthesiologists.

How Long Do The Sedatives Last?

Nitrous oxide takes effect within a few minutes of being administered and wears off within a few minutes of the gas being turned off. General anesthesia effects can be felt for several hours after the procedure.

How Can Dental Sedation Help My Child?

We understand that all children have different fears and apprehensions. Our goal is to provide dental treatment in a compassionate and caring way so that patients of all temperaments will get the quality dental treatment they deserve. Therefore, the options of Nitrous Oxide and General Anesthesia/Deep sedation give us the option of treating most patients in a caring manner.

What Type Of Care Will My Child Require After Dental Sedation?

On the day of your anesthesia/sedation appointment, the Dr and/or anesthesiologist will review Post-op instructions with you to maximize the comfort and recovery from dental treatment. This includes drinking plenty of clear liquids, maintaining a soft, tepid diet, and providing pain relief when needed.

What Sedation Is Used For Pediatric Dentistry?

Our office offers both nitrous oxide sedation and general anesthesia.

How Long Should A Child Go To A Pediatric Dentist?

Our office offers care for all children beginning at infancy through to age 18 or when they graduate from High School, however some teenagers, depending on their treatment needs, may choose to begin seeing a general dentist.

How Is A Paseo Ranch Pediatric Dentist Different From Other Dentists?

At Paseo Ranch Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we prioritize compassion and safety. When families walk into our office, they are immediately taken by the warm, inviting atmosphere. Our staff has been “hand-picked” for their caring and compassionate approach to caring for your children. We are confident that you will leave impressed and comfortable with the quality of care we strive to give your children.

What Procedures Do Pediatric Dentists Do?

  • Crowns
  • Fillings
  • X-Rays
  • Cleanings
  • Fluoride
  • Cavity treatment
  • Orthodontics
  • Extractions
  • Pulp Treatment
  • Sealants
  • Space Maintainers

How Often Should Children Have Dental Checkups?

It is recommended that children see a dentist twice a year or every six months. Sooner if there are any problems or pain.

How Often Should My Child Be Seen For Cleanings And Exams?

Twice a year, once every six months.

When Should I Start Thinking About Orthodontic Treatment For My Child?

At Paseo Ranch Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics we are lucky to have both dentists and dentists on staff. Every time your child comes in for a check-up and cleaning, the dentist will also perform an orthodontic screening. Based on their findings, they may recommend you have a consultation with an dentist. Depending on the orthodontic problem, some children require treatment as early as 7 years old, but many children do not begin full, comprehensive orthodontic treatment until all of the baby teeth have fallen out, this is usually around age 12.

How Do I Schedule An Appointment?

You can call our office at (623) 223-9677 or visit our homepage and click “schedule appointment”.!

Is Orthodontic Treatment Harmful To My Child?

No. When orthodontic treatment is given in the correct circumstances with the correct treatment it can actually have a positive impact on your child’s overall dental health.

How Much Will Braces Cost? Are Financing Options Available?

Braces vary depending on what all is required. yes, there are financial options available.

Does My Child Need To Have Regular Checkups While In Braces?

Yes, it is extremely important the kids in braces get regular check-ups and cleanings while in orthodontic appliances. These appliances can present unique challenges in keeping teeth free of debris and plaque, and our dentists can help address this and help you keep your teeth clean and shiny throughout the orthodontic treatment process.

What Food Should My Child Avoid While Wearing Braces?

While in an orthodontic appliance, it is important to avoid sticky, gummy candy and foods. Also, it is important to avoid “hard” foods that could break or dislodge brackets.

How Long Will It Take For Braces To Straighten My Teeth?

In most cases, treatment will take approximately 24 months. However, this timeframe can be shorter or longer depending on individual circumstances

Do Braces Hurt?

While our team will make every effort to make your orthodontic treatment as comfortable and painless as possible, there are circumstances where the forces of orthodontic appliances can cause some discomfort. The dentist will talk to you when/if this is a possibility.
Paseo Ranch Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics Team