Paediatric Dentistry

The pediatric dentist is the specialist who is dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teenage years. The very young, pre-teens, and teenagers all need different approaches in dealing with their behaviour,guiding their dental growth and development and helping them avoid future dental problems. Pediatric dentists have had special training which allows them to provide the most up-to-date and thorough treatment for a wide variety of children's dental needs. They are trained and qualified to treat special patients who may have emotional, physical, or mental handicaps

The first visit

The first visit will be to thoroughly examine and evaluate your child's dental health, growth and development, and to determine the nature of any dental problems. Generally, diagnostic x-rays will be taken to aid in this evaluation. No treatment will be performed at this visit. The visit will help to build a healthy, trusting relationship with your child, our staff, and the dentist and to familiarize you as parents with the anticipated dental development and needs of your child. Research has shown that children to visit the dentist at a young age have fewer cavities and a more positive experience at the dentist throughout their childhood! If your child has any special needs, sensory issues, or other concerns that we should be aware of to better accommodate them and make their visit easier, please let us know. We're always willing to have you and your child come by for a practice visit, to see the office or practice sitting in the dental chair if it would serve your child better. We're here to serve you!

Tips for the first visit

You as a parent play a critical role in helping your child develop a positive and healthy attitude toward dental care. We suggest that you be completely natural, calm, and easy going when telling your child about their first dental appointment. Your child's behaviour is often influenced by your presence, attitude, and words. As you accompany your child during their dental visit, we ask that you be as neutral as possible. Do not feel that you have to overexplain the upcoming appointment. Let us handle that! Our experience is that most children not only tolerate but enjoy coming to the dentist if it is well explained to them. Avoiding words like “hurt”, “pain”, and “shot” will help your child to not be afraid of the dentist. Speaking honestly and positively, but please do not bride. Instead of saying “ the doctor won't hurt you”, keep it positive and say “the dentist will be very gentle with you”.

Occasionally a child may cry, which is a very normal reaction to fear in a new, strange environment. We will make every effort to help you and your child feel at ease, but understand that it takes time to build trust and rapport. Kids are our speciality, and we'll do everything we can to make it fun and enjoyable for your child.

Our approach

Parental Involvement

We need your help. Your child needs your help. Dentistry doesn't just happen at Deepam’s Pediatric Dentistry, it happens at home. We'll work together to develop the best plan to take care of your child's teeth at home. Parents are always welcome back for appointments and may be necessary for the first couple of visits, but in time your child will be ready to do it on their own. Independence in a child is one of the things we value most here. And while you sit back and wait comfortably in the front, we'll be teaching your kids how to properly care for their teeth. Then afterwards, we'll share those lessons with you, so we're all on the same page when it comes to keeping your child healthy and happy.

Appointments

Someone will always be available to schedule an appointment for your child during our regular office hours which are morning 10:00 am to 1:00 pm & evening 5:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m., all days except Tuesday.

We appreciate the time you are taking in bringing your child to our office. We realize your time is important to you, therefore an appointment time will be specifically reserved for your child. Occasionally, unexpected emergencies do occur, and hence delays in the schedule are inevitable. A sincere attempt is made to adhere to the schedule as much as possible. If you cannot keep an appointment, reasonable notice should be given to this office to cancel the appointment. This courtesy makes it possible to give the appointment to another patient. There may be a charge for broken or cancelled appointments at the rate of a normal office visit unless 24 hours' notice is given. A charge and/or dismissal from the practice may be made for repetitive broken appointments without notifying the office.

Repeat

• Infant oral health exams, which include risk assessment for caries in mother and child Preventive dental care including cleaning and fluoride treatments, as well as nutrition and diet recommendations
• Habit counselling (for example, pacifier use and thumb sucking)
• Early assessment and treatment for straightening teeth and correcting an improper bite (orthodontics)
• Repair of tooth cavities or defects
• Diagnosis of oral conditions associated with diseases such as diabetes, congenital heart defect, asthma, hay fever, and attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder
• Management of gum diseases and conditions including ulcers, short frenulae, mucoceles, and pediatric periodontal disease
• Care for dental injuries (for example, fractured, displaced, or knocked-out teeth)