Your First Visit
Find out how we make your first visit a positive one.
Sedation
Learn why sedation is a safe option for your child
Financial
Find out how we make billing easy
Your First Visit
Start Early, Stay Healthy!
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child see a dentist by age one, and we agree! Prevention can save your child from unnecessary complications and procedures down the road, which means it can save you money, too.
Also, the earlier we get to know your child, the more actively we can support your family throughout childhood. In addition to monitoring your child’s dental health and development, we’ll discuss and help you make decisions on important issues such as diet, oral hygiene, and habits like pacifier and thumb-sucking.
Preparing for a Positive Experience
Our priority for your first visit is to establish a positive relationship with you and your child. We will do our part to make this a fun, relaxed experience. Here’s what you can do to help:
- Remind your child that going to the dentist is a sign that they are growing up. This gives them a sense of pride and even excitement.
- Explain that the doctor will “count,” “brush,” and “take pictures” of her/his teeth. This makes new experiences seem less scary.
- Avoid using words such as “needle,” “shot,” “pull,” “drill,” or “hurt.” We have a special way of explaining what we are doing that minimizes fear, for both of you!
What to Expect in the Office
After introductions and a tour of the office, one of the doctors will perform a head and neck exam and evaluate your child’s teeth, gums, and developing bite. You are welcome to accompany your child and ask questions at any time. If your child needs further treatment, an additional appointment will likely be required. The doctor will discuss all recommendations, options, and procedures before scheduling.
Sedation
Safe Sedation
Most children do quite well with minimally invasive dental procedures. Since every child responds differently in the dental office, we offer safe sedation options to make your child as comfortable as possible while receiving the treatment they need.
Of course our first choice is always prevention, so start dental visits early and practice good nutrition and oral hygiene at home. Ask us for tips!
Nitrous Oxide (“laughing gas”)
This gentle sedative is helpful for relaxing a mildly apprehensive child. The child remains fully awake with all natural reflexes but does not pay attention to the procedure. Most children do very well with nitrous oxide and do not require any additional recovery time.
Conscious Sedation
Conscious sedation safely helps a fearful, anxious child relax and cooperate with treatment. It is often recommended for very young or apprehensive children and for some children with special needs. The child remains awake but does not have awareness or memory of the procedure once it’s over, so conscious sedation also helps maintain a positive dentist-child relationship. There are a number of different medications that can be used for conscious sedation, and your doctor will discuss options to choose the one best suited for your child.
General Anesthesia
We offer general anesthesia at our full service surgery center in Auburn. Ask us about it.
The most important thing to know is that we will work with you to create a treatment plan that works best for you and your child.
Financial Peace of Mind
We strive to give you and your family the best service possible, and that includes a thoughtful approach to billing. Every situation is different, so please contact us with questions not answered below.
If you have dental insurance:
- We accept most insurance plans, including DSHS.
- Co-payment is due at the time of service.
- We will submit an insurance claim for you but we have no control over what or how much your insurance plan prednisone will cover. Please review your benefits with your insurance company before your visit and show your insurance card at the time of service.
If you do not have dental insurance:
- Full payment is due at the time of service.
- We accept Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards.