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When your child is ready for ongoing dental care, the questions you have about what to expect and what to worry about may be overwhelming. Thankfully, our team is prepared to be your reliable expert! Below, you’ll find plenty of answers to some of the most common questions we receive at our Far North Dallas, Frisco, and North Dallas area practices. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us and ask directly.
Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative that is safe for virtually all ages. Most people know nitrous oxide by another name—laughing gas! Once your son or daughter is settled in the treatment chair, we will attach a mask over the nose and start administering the gas. After a few minutes of breathing it in, they should feel much more comfortable and content, allowing their treatment to proceed smoothly.
One of the biggest benefits of nitrous oxide is that the sedative effects wear off very quickly once the mask is removed. Your child should be able to return to school or run errands with you following their appointment—no significant downtime required.
Oral conscious sedation is an option for children who are older (three years and above) and are mildly apprehensive. This highly effective method can be administered in oral form.
Moderate or deep sedation is sometimes necessary for children that are unable, by either age, maturity or developmental reasons, to cooperate during dental treatment.
Our pediatric dentists typically only recommend general anesthesia for children with special needs, children who experience severe fear at the dentist’s office, or children who need several lengthy procedures and will not be capable of sitting still for such a long period of time. Before providing this type of sedation, we will thoroughly review your child’s current health and medical history, any medications they take, any allergies they have, and other important information that will help our team ensure their safety.
When undergoing general anesthesia, patients will gradually be transitioned from their awake state to complete sleep. During the procedure, the anesthesiologist will closely monitor their blood pressure, their breathing rate, their heart rate, and their oxygen level. Our goal is to keep them fully comfortable until their care is complete.
We strongly recommend that parents schedule a first visit when their child either reaches their first birthday or experiences their very first baby tooth poking through the gums – whichever comes first. While this visit won’t be like the full checkup that adults are used to, it’s a good opportunity for our dentists to assess your baby’s growing smile and provide helpful instructions for oral hygiene at home. We also offer several treatment options that are well-suited for infants at both locations.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) suggests that children be screened for orthodontic concerns when they’re around the age of seven. It’s important for parents to remember that the chances of a successful treatment plan are much higher with a younger patient, and we recommend early intervention whenever possible to ensure a healthier, happier smile for your child down the road.
Like adults, children should start attending checkups and cleanings every six months (twice each calendar year) on average from a young age. By doing so, our doctors can identify damage and/or concerning symptoms at their earliest signs of development.
Yes! Our orthodontists offer several treatment options that cover a wide range of needs, including clear/ceramic braces, Invisalign, Phase I Treatment, and more. During your child’s first consultation, we can discuss their personal needs in depth and help you decide on an option that’s the best fit for them.
We certainly can! Sedation dentistry is available to calm your child and help them maintain a comfortable, safe state of being throughout their treatment. Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) and general anesthesia are both available upon request; our dentists can help you determine what the best choice is for your child.
Of course! Children’s Dental & Orthodontics is open to all children and we have the time-tested skills needed to support and care for patients with sensory issues, behavioral concerns, and other special health care needs.
All of our practice locations work with virtually all major dental insurance plans! We will file claims on your family’s behalf in order to maximize reimbursement and help make quality dental care affordable. Please visit our new patients page or contact your chosen office directly for more information.