Chestnut Dental's Pediatric dentistry focuses on comprehensive oral health in children, and we specialize in infants, children, teens, and special needs patients.
We work to maintain children's overall health, prevent dental problems, and allow our patients comfortable and happy dental experiences.
This specialty requires two years of advanced education after a four-year dental school curriculum to understand the unique needs of children and patients with special needs. Additionally, every pediatric dentist at Chestnut Dental is board certified.
All of our pediatric dentists care about your child’s overall health care and believe oral health is an integral part. In addition to treatment, we provide information and techniques on the prevention of dental disease, early detection of problems, and keep current on the latest advances.
Services Offered
- Preventive examinations
- Cleanings and fluoride treatment
- Silver diamine fluoride treatment
- Sealants
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Root canal treatment for primary teeth
- Composite Crowns
- Extractions
- Teeth whitening
- Interceptive orthodontic care
- Athletic mouthguards
- Space maintainers
- 24-hour emergency care
- Nitrous oxide
- ICON white spot treatment
About Your Child's First Visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend a child establish dental care by age 1. While we realize children at this age are pre-cooperative in the dental setting, a visit to our office at this time can be extremely beneficial for many reasons.
- Infants receive a comprehensive oral evaluation, a risk evaluation for developing dental cavities, and, if indicated, a fluoride treatment. By seeing children this young, we hope to promote oral health and decrease the number of children developing cavities.
- We provide parents with guidance regarding many areas of oral health, particularly information on how to lower the risk of dental cavities, which remains the most common disease of childhood – five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever. Our top priority is to educate parents on topics that include tooth eruption, tooth trauma, risk factors for dental disease, oral hygiene instruction, appropriate fluoride exposure, and thumb and pacifier habits.
- An early visit to the pediatric dentist gives parents a “dental home” for their child. The most important part of the first visit is establishing a familiarity and comfort level with the doctors, office, and staff. This comfort in the dental setting will be the bedrock of your child’s dental health throughout her or his life.
Your child’s first visit typically begins with our hygienist. The hygienist will explain and demonstrate oral home care, and examine and clean your child’s mouth and teeth. Most children have their first cleaning between 2-3 years of age.
Next, you and your child will be introduced to the dentist. The doctor will perform a full examination of teeth, bite and surrounding structures. In some cases, radiographs may be recommended. For an older child, if orthodontic treatment is indicated, we will schedule a follow-up diagnostic evaluation with one of our orthodontists.
Encouraging a Comfortable First Visit
Parents should not over-emphasize the first visit and refrain from using any words that could cause unnecessary fear, such as “needle” or “drill.” We are experienced in dealing with children who have anxiety, and our doctors and hygienists have methods for explaining treatment procedures in a positive and pleasant manner to avoid any anxious or negative feelings toward dentistry.
We are always available to answer any of your questions about your child’s treatment. When treatment has been completed, you will be scheduled for periodic recall visits (usually every six months); at these visits, we will perform examinations and fluoride applications.
Questions About Pediatric Dentistry
What ages of children do pediatric dentists treat?
A pediatric dentist will treat patients from birth through adolescence. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that young patients begin visiting a pediatric dentist no later than the first birthday when most children already have a first tooth. Children will continue to visit the dentist periodically throughout childhood to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
What type of training does a pediatric dentist have?
A pediatric dentist has the same credentials as a family dentist, only with two additional years of training specifically in the oral treatment of babies, children, teens, and kids with special needs. They are trained to understand not only the dental needs of a child but also the psychological and emotional needs as well.
How can I make a pediatric dental appointment?
Our staff is happy to assist you through the process of making the first appointment for your child. Simply call our office to speak with one of our helpful staff members and schedule your child’s visit. We aim to make your child’s experience as comfortable as possible.
Why Choose Chestnut Dental for your child?
At Chestnut Dental, we work together to ensure children’s overall dental health, prevent future issues, and strive to make our patients comfortable. Should you have questions during your child’s appointment, we’ll be able to address them and provide appropriate consultations. If you’re ready for your child to visit us, contact our offices in Needham, Franklin, and Bedford today!
