INDIVIDUALIZED KIDS DENTISTRY
We recommend that children see a pediatric dentist by their first birthday or within six months of the eruption of their first baby tooth. Despite the fact that it may seem early, we have discovered that regular visits to our office allow small children to become comfortable and familiar with our pediatric dental team. Most children who have had early positive dental experiences feel more at ease at the dental office, enjoy going to the dentist, and look forward to their appointments when they grow into adulthood.
Dr. Ezeanolue and our Kids Choice team will introduce your child to pediatric dentistry using terms that he or she can understand based on their age and level of emotional maturity. We will perform a full mouth clinical examination to check for decay, proper eruption, and jaw development during their first check-up. We provide teeth cleaning to remove decay-causing plaque and apply a fluoride treatment for protection. Our team will also make recommendations for healthy food choices and how to properly brush your child’s teeth, as well as examples of toothbrushes and toothpaste that we recommend for your child. X-rays will be taken when required to evaluate the developing teeth and jaws and to visualize hard to see areas between teeth where decay may be starting or is already present.
Parents are welcome to accompany their children into the treatment area at any time. For first time visits , the presence of parents is usually reassuring for the child.
PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR THEIR FIRST DENTAL APPOINTMENT
We encourage parents to highlight all the positives for your child on their first visit. If your child has a question, respond quickly and enthusiastically. Please refrain from using words like ‘needle,’ ‘shot,’ ‘drill,’ or “hurt” that may instill unnecessary fear. Instead, say, ‘the dentist will count your teeth, shine them, and show us how to keep them healthy.’
Our fun and playful environment is designed with games for your little one in mind. Consider our themed exam rooms featuring your child’s favorite movie characters, as well as the ability to watch movies during examinations and treatments. These features keeps the kids entertained and sets their minds at ease.
SPECIAL NEEDS CARE
We enjoy treating all children at Kids Choice Pediatric Dentistry. Our doors are open to kids with developmental, medical, and behavioral challenges, such as anxiety, sensory issues, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and developmental and speech/language delays. Dr. Bibiana Ezeanolue and our staff, similar for all of our patients, will not use frightening language and will take the time to understand your son or daughter’s unique condition in order to accommodate your child’s preferences and comfort level. This can include flexible scheduling and, if necessary, a separate exam room.
Some children require additional assistance to feel at ease during dental treatment. When this happens, your child may benefit from sedation or hospital dentistry. Under ideal conditions, nitrous oxide and hospital anesthesia are available to help make the treatment as comfortable as possible.
Dr. Bibi (as her patients call her) has advanced training in working with all children beyond dental school, particularly in behavior management, sedation, and anesthesia techniques. She will go over the specific technique that has been recommended, its benefits and risks, and ensure that all of your questions are answered and that your child is safe and comfortable throughout his or her visit.