FAQ

What happens during my child’s first visit?

At your child’s first dental visit, Dr. Fisher and/or Dr. Reddy will complete an initial examination of your child and discuss with you the health of your child’s teeth and gums, dental and oral development, fluoride status, proper oral hygiene care, teething, dietary counseling, and injury prevention. If your child is older and more cooperative, your child may have a complete hygiene visit with a dental cleaning and fluoride treatment. If your child is not able to tolerate a complete cleaning, we will not force them, because it is much more important for your child to build a positive relationship with us and become more comfortable with us in the future.

How often should my child visit your office?

We generally recommend your child be seen every 6 months for routine recare visits. However, depending on the circumstances of your child’s oral health, we may recommend more frequent visits.

What should I do if my child sucks his/her thumb or uses a pacifier?

The use of a pacifier or thumb-sucking is normal in infants and young toddlers as it provides for them comfort and solace. However prolonged use of either a pacifier or thumb-sucking may result in your child having an abnormal bite and/or jaw relationship. This type of dental malocclusion may subsequently lead to problems with speech, esthetics, abnormal eruption of permanent teeth, and lack of space for eruption of permanent teeth. It is therefore recommended for your child to discontinue the use of a pacifier and/or thumb-sucking by age 36 months or younger. Get more information, plus tips on helping your child break the habit.

When should my child have dental x-rays taken?

Dr. Fisher and Dr. Reddy will recommend x-rays for your child based on their findings after an examination. Dental x-rays will provide Dr. Fisher and Dr. Reddy information regarding your child’s oral growth and development, as well as detecting any cavities. At our office, we use digital radiography which has 90% less radiation then a typical dental x-ray.

Does my child need dental sealants?

Dental sealants are an effective preventive measure to protect your child’s permanent molars from tooth decay. Molars have deep grooves, called pits and fissures, which are difficult to keep clean and can easily collect food and bacteria. A sealant is a bonding layer that covers these pits and fissures to prevent cavities from forming in these areas. Get more information on sealants.