Pediatric Dentistry
What to Expect at Your First Visit
A child's first visit to the dentist can be scary. It is our mission to make the first appointment and all subsequent appointments as positive and anxiety-free for your children as possible. Parents may accompany their children to the exam room and stay for any/all procedures so that their children feel more comfortable. The dentist will explain everything about the procedure to your child in a gentle and professional manner as well as answer any questions you or your child might have.
We do not use a papoose board or restrain children in any way. For children that require greater levels of care, we offer in-office conscious sedation, as well as general sedation in coordination with Tallahassee Memorial Health Center and TOSC Surgical Center.
We care about our patients' health by offering low-dose digital radiography, mercury-free fillings, and fillings that contain no bisphenol A, no BIS-GMA, and no BPA derivatives.
We strive to offer the latest advancements in Esthetic Dentistry for children, including a full range of tooth-colored fillings and crowns, including a state-of-the-art Nu-Smile Restorative System.
Orthodontics
Initial Consultation
Whether you are interested in orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, a consultation and thorough evaluation always precede receiving care. At your first visit to our office, you will be introduced to our office team and asked to fill out a few forms to provide us with complete medical and dental history. It is recommended that any recent dental X-rays that might be helpful be sent to our office so that they are available for this visit.
During the initial consultation visit, a thorough clinical examination will be performed. Any issues with the development or alignment of the teeth, bite problems, as well as concerns regarding jaw relationships and function will be discussed. We will also determine if premature tooth loss, habits, swallowing, or breathing patterns are having an effect on the occlusion. Following this visit, we will indicate if any orthodontic treatment is needed and provide a general idea as to when to begin care and what types of appliances might be most suitable to achieve the best result.
Feel free to ask any questions or discuss any concerns that you have about orthodontic care at this time.
Orthodontic Records
Once you or your child has received the initial consultation, and the decision has been made to pursue care, the next step will be an appointment to take orthodontic records. At this visit, a series of photos, diagnostic radiographs of the teeth and jaws, as well as study models will be taken.
Comprehensive orthodontic records provide the orthodontist with detailed information on the growth and development of the teeth, the jaws, and the face. They also reveal if any teeth are impacted or missing if there are any extra ones present, the status of root development, and if any unusual anatomy or other abnormalities exist. Using the information gathered from the medical and dental histories, the clinical examination, and the orthodontic records, an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan can be formulated.
After the records visit, an appointment will be set up with our office to present the diagnosis, the proposed treatment plan, an estimated timetable for the length of treatment, and the associated fees, and to provide you with all the information about which kinds of orthodontic appliances are most suited to achieving a successful and pleasing result.