The most common question we have regarding children is about what age should they start going to the dentist. At Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry, we follow the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry on when a child should first see a dentist. Accordingly, you should bring your child to see us when the first tooth comes through the gums. During the first dental visit, we will get to know your child and get him/her acquainted with the dental office. During the initial visit, we also evaluate the child’s dental health, as well as offer tips in good dental care for your child. Our goal is to have our youngest patients feel comfortable and happy about visiting the dentist!
For your child’s first visit to Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry, we like to do a comprehensive examination. This includes looking at your child’s teeth along with the supporting structures of the gums. We will also address your child’s oral hygiene, as well as clean your child’s teeth. We will look at your child’s bite and will only take X-rays if necessary. This is the optimal time to ask questions about your child’s mouth and teeth.
Going to the dentist for the first time can cause a lot of anxiety and fear in children. However, it doesn’t have to be that way! Preparing your child for their first dental appointment can help make the experience less stressful. Being open and honest with your child about what they can expect can help to ease the tension and dental anxiety and make it an enjoyable experience.
At Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that the first visit to a dentist can be intimidating for children. Our office is designed to make kids feel comfortable and at ease, and we make every effort to make it a fun experience for them.
If you are searching for a kids dentist near me, pediatric dentist Phoenix, or pediatric dentist Chandler, AZ, we can help. To schedule an appointment, call (602) 935-7427 or complete the online booking form.
One of the best ways to start preparing your child is to talk about the upcoming visit. Explain why regular visits are important for healthy teeth and discuss what will happen during their appointment. Talk in simple terms and use positive language; avoid fear-based or negative terms.
Read books or watch fun videos about going to the dentist. Many libraries have books about visiting the dentist that can help your child become more comfortable with the process. Alternatively, e-books are also very helpful if your child prefers that.
The night before the visit, remind your child about the upcoming appointment. Make sure to schedule it when your child is well rested and fed so they can be in an optimal state for learning.
Before their visit, we recommend reviewing oral hygiene instructions with your child. Show them how to brush their teeth properly and practice flossing together. This can help your child become more familiar with their mouth and teeth, which is beneficial during their appointment.
To make your child more comfortable, consider role-playing before their dental appointment. You can create a make-believe dental office using a favorite stuffed animal and act out what will happen during the appointment. Another idea is to take turns pretending to be the dentist and counting and brushing each other’s teeth while discussing the importance of oral hygiene.
On the day of the visit, make sure to arrive on time. This will help reduce stress and anxiety levels for you and your child. It’s also a good idea to bring along some of your child’s favorite toys and books that may help them relax.
Let your child know that the visit will be only for meeting the dentist and an oral examination. Dr.Martinez can explain the different tools and their uses if the child is of age and would benefit from that. If your child needs extra motivation, you can plan a treat like a visit to the park or a toy store after the appointment.
When preparing your child for their follow-up visit, emphasize the positive aspects of their first visit. Remind them that there were no needles and nothing hurt. Talk about the fun things that happened, such as how good the toothpaste tasted and how the toothbrush tickled a little bit. At the end of each visit, thank your child for being brave and tell them you are proud of them for being well-behaved. It’s important to make your child feel comfortable so they want to come back!
Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry offers high-quality dental care specialized for children of all ages and those with unique healthcare needs. Our friendly and caring staff and our kid-friendly office provide a calming and welcoming atmosphere for even the most nervous kids. Visit us today and see why we are the best pediatric dentist in Phoenix.
If you are searching for a kids dentist near me, Phoenix pediatric dentist, or pediatric dentist Chandler, AZ, we can help. To schedule an appointment, call (602) 935-7427 or complete the online booking form. We look forward to helping your child with their beautiful smile.
To help your child have a pleasant experience, we recommend preparing them like you would for their first haircut. If you're feeling anxious, it's better to say less, as children can sense your unease. Try to enjoy the experience with your child.
It can be helpful to arrange a tour of the pediatric office before your child's appointment to help them feel more at ease. Communicate any specific needs or concerns your child may have with the staff. Breaking down the visit into smaller steps, such as meeting the front desk staff or sitting in the dental chair, can also be beneficial. Consider rewarding your child with a prize or treat at the end of the visit.
We prioritize your health and peace of mind by implementing advanced sterilization procedures. After every patient visit, we disinfect the treatment area and sterilize non-disposable instruments via ultrasonic cleaning and heat sterilization. Our staff wears masks and gloves during procedures. If you have any concerns about safety, feel free to ask us for more information.
Yes, we invite you to accompany your child during dental appointments. For the safety and privacy of all patients, other children who are not being treated should remain in the reception room with a supervising adult.
For the convenience of our patients, we kindly ask that you do your best to arrive on time to your appointment. However, we understand that things do come up, so we leave you a 10-minute leeway period after your scheduled start time to arrive to your appointment. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, you may need to reschedule or wait until we can fit you in later without inconveniencing other patients.
Here at Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry, we require 48 hours’ notice for any cancellation to fill your appointment. Please help us maintain the highest quality of care by keeping scheduled appointments.
Our office is committed to helping you maximize your dental insurance benefit. As a service to our patients, we will check with your dental insurance company to get your coverage detail before your appointment. Please have your dental insurance information ready when you make your appointment. We can also submit a pre-treatment estimate to your insurance provider on your behalf if necessary.
Please understand that we file claims as a courtesy to our patients and we do not have a contract with your insurance company–only you do. Because insurance policies vary greatly, we can estimate your coverage in good faith but cannot guarantee it due to the complexities of insurance contracts. Please reach out to your insurance provider directly for any specific questions regarding your coverage and benefit information.
If you don’t see your dental insurance listed above, please give our office a call and we would be happy to assist you in making sure you are able to utilize your dental insurance benefits in our office.
Thank you for choosing us as your dental care provider. We are committed to your treatment being successful. Please understand that payment of your bill is considered part of your treatment. The following is a statement of our financial policy which we require that you read and sign prior to any treatment. It is our hope that this policy will facilitate open communication between us and help avoid potential misunderstandings, allowing you to always make the best choices related to your care.
We are also happy to assist you with using a third-party financing company such as CareCredit.
