Services

Spokane Dental Care for Children

As a childrens dental office, we strive to meet the unique needs of children. We are committed to family-centered dental care for infants, children, kids, adolescents and special needs patients in the Spokane area.

It is important for us to establish a good relationship with both patients and parents. We especially want our young patients to feel comfortable with our doctors and staff in our office setting. Early regular visits to the pediatric dentist will build a trust that will help young children prepare for a lifetime of good dental check-ups. As the parent you are welcome to accompany your child into the treatment area. You are a vital member of our team. You know your child and what will work best for them. Depending on the situation, we may ask that you allow your child to accompany our staff through the dental experience. We are all highly experienced in helping children overcome anxiety. Separation anxiety is not uncommon in children, so please try not to be concerned if your child exhibits some negative behavior. This is normal and will soon diminish. Studies and experience have shown that most children over the age of 3 react more positively when permitted to experience the dental visit on their own and in an environment designed for children. Expect your child to do well and enjoy their visit to our office and chances are they will do just that! We make a concerted effort to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. Our goal is to provide a great appointment experience with outstanding service. Our doctors and staff maintain the highest standards in pediatric dental care. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask us.

• Care Concerns
  • Infants and Children
    The beginning of a child's dental care program is crucial. The foremost concern is establishing a program of preventive dental care. It is also important to get the facts about early childhood caries (also known as baby bottle syndrome), a risk for every child but one that can be prevented. Ask us about thumb, pacifier and bottle habits. We'll provide you with a wealth of information about your child's growth and development.
  • Adolescents and Young Adults
    There are many factors that make the pre-teen and teenage years an important stage for dental care. It is normal that self-esteem and confidence issues may arise and these are directly related to appearance and self-image. Our office takes these issues into consideration and we are extra sensitive to the needs of teenagers. Eating patterns may become slightly irregular and frequent snacking on unhealthy foods often becomes the norm. Drinking carbonated soft drinks regularly can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel. Soft drinks contain sticky sugars that bacteria in our mouths use as an energy source. They break these carbohydrates down into acids and adhere to tooth surfaces. Using a straw when drinking soda can help keep sugar away from teeth. Remind your child to rinse his or her mouth with water after meals, especially during school, in order to leave their teeth free of sugar and acid.
  • Emergencies
    If your child has an accident, please call our office as soon as possible. We will see your child immediately. If it is an after-hours emergency, an after hours number will be given on the answering machine. The first 60 minutes after an accident are the most critical to treatment of dental trauma. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, gently rinse, but do not scrub the tooth under water. Replace the tooth in the socket if possible. If it is impossible, place the tooth in a glass of milk or clean wet cloth and come to the office immediately. If the tooth is fractured, please bring in any pieces you can find.
• Dental Care Timeline For Children
  • Birth to 6 Months
    Even before their first tooth appears, infants should have their gums cleaned with gauze or an infant washcloth after feedings and at bedtime. Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle. Talk to our pediatric dentist about fluoride supplements.
  • 6 to 12 Months
    When a child's first teeth begin to appear it is time to visit the pediatric dentist for a check-up. Begin brushing with a soft-bristled brush after feedings and at bedtime. As a child begins to walk, be especially alert to potential dental injuries.
  • 12 to 24 Months
    Weaning from breast or bottle by 18 months of age is advised. We recommend visiting our pediatric dentist every 6 months for an exam and cleaning. A pea-sized portion of fluoride toothpaste may be used when a child is able to rinse. During this stage of development most primary teeth have erupted.
• 6 Steps to Super Smiles
  • 1. Good Home Dental Care
    It is very important for parents to be involved in their child's dental hygiene routine. Establish a healthy diet, daily tooth brushing and flossing as well as regular dental visits. Steps taken now will help build a lifetime of good oral health habits, so help by supervising your child's brushing and flossing.
  • 2. Fluoride
    Use toothpaste with fluoride to prevent tooth decay and cure cavities in their early stages. Our pediatric dentist can advise parents of fluoride supplement sources if needed.
  • 3. Sealants
    Most cavities occur in places that a sealant could have protected. By sealing surfaces at risk, cavities and tooth decay in children and teens can be drastically reduced. The teeth at most risk of decay and therefore most in need of sealants are the six-year and twelve-year molars.
  • 4. Mouth Protectors in Sports
    Wearing a mouthguard when playing a sport protects the teeth and can reduce the force of a blow that can cause concussions, neck injuries and jaw fractures.
  • 5. Regular Dental Visits
    It is essential for your child to receive an on-going oral health assessment by a pediatric dentist. Your child may need additional fluoride, sealants or dietary modifications. Regular visits will also help children stay cavity free by removing plaque build-up on the teeth.
  • 6. Limited Snacking
    Healthy snacking in moderation plays an important role in oral health. Snacking should be limited to no more than three or four times a day. Encourage nutritious choices such as cheese, vegetables and yogurt.
• Bonding/White Fillings
  • Procedure
    The bonding procedure is usually completed in one visit. The first step is to remove the decayed or unsightly portion of the tooth. The tooth is then etched with a liquid or gel and a bonding agent is then applied. This will allow the composite resin to be placed in the prepared tooth. The resin is then trimmed and polished, leaving you with a beautifully sculpted, natural-looking restoration.
  • Bonding Durability
    Although composite resins are cosmetically pleasing and easily placed, their durability is not as strong as other types of restorations. These resins typically last from 4-7 years before they begin to chip and wear away. When this happens, the restoration will need to be replaced.

As Spokane dental care specialists, our patients are our most important asset, and we strive to develop long-lasting, trusting relationships with all of our patients. Your referrals are welcome and appreciated.

We look forward to seeing you!

Providing a wide array of children's dental procedures including Fillings, Crowns, Sealants, Fluoride treatments, Oral Hygiene Education, Dietary Counseling, Anticipatory Guidance, Happy Visits, and Orthodontic Space Maintenance. Sedation and antesthesia services are available. Let us be your child's Dental Home.