Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do you separate parents from children?

A:  Our objective is to simply see the real child.   We have observed that most children react in a more positive manner when permitted to experience the dental appointment on their own within an environment specifically designed for children.  We do appreciate your help with encouraging their independence.  If your child has cavities, we will discuss a treatment plan with you which includes how we can safely fill cavities without mental and/or physical harm.  This is the best part about bringing your child to a pediatric dentist.  Together, the doctor and the parents, can determine if nitrous oxide, conscious sedation, or general anesthesia should be utilized to help your child to become healthy again.  Denying your child the chance at independence invites the potential for sedation or general anesthesia as the only means of accomplishing treatment.  In other words, the child must show the ability to follow the doctor's instructions to safely treat cavities.

Q: What happens if my child needs me?

A: If at any time your child becomes sad, we will ask you to join your child in order to continue with the appointment.  

Q: Who will be with my son/daughter throughout their appointment?

A: When the doctor, male or female, is with your child, the doctor will ALWAYS be accompanied with another female staff member.  Your child will never be alone.

Q:  Is nitrous oxide safe for my child?

A: Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as “laughing gas,” is a mild form of relaxation that we utilize during dental procedures.  The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation as a safe and effective technique to eliminate the gag reflex, reduce anxiety, produce analgesia (the inability to sense pain), and enhance effective communication between a patient and dental provider. Please refer to aapd.org  for more information on the use of nitrous oxide.  If you have unanswered questions after reading, please call our office to speak to one of our doctors.

Q: How can I prepare my child for their upcoming dental treatment appointment?

A: It is important to discuss your child's upcoming appointment with him/her in a relaxed, positive, and gentle manner.  You can inform your child that the dentists and their staff will be "helping his/her teeth" to make sure he/she stays healthy.  We recommend to avoid using words such as "shot, needle, pull, and hurt". Such words can create anxiety for the child ahead of time, potentially making it difficult for him/her to get through the dental treatment appointment.  The doctors and their staff will introduce the treatment using kid-friendly terms to make your child as comfortable as possible.  If you have any questions on how to discuss this with your child, please feel free to call us ahead of time! 

Q: When should my child first see a dentist?

A: Your child should visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth erupts, usually between 6 and 12 months of age. At Pediatric Dentistry of Lewisburg, we offer a FREE  exam, cleaning and fluoride treatment for all infants aged 1 and under.  An early examination and preventative care will protect your child's smile now and in the future as well as detect any oral and facial abnormalities.  Check out our Getting Started Early Program tab for more details!          

Q: How often are dental x-rays needed and are they safe for my child?

A: Dental x-rays are typically taken one time per year and are a critical piece in your child's routine dental exam.  While the amount of radiation received during an ordinary dental x-ray is already extremely small, we further decrease that exposure by using digital dental x-ray technology here at Pediatric Dentistry of Lewisburg. Dental x-rays are among the lowest radiation dose of any diagnostic procedure in the medical field. While digital x-rays offer the advantage of an 80% reduction in radiation exposure, they also produce a nearly instantaneous dental image on a computer, eliminate the need for film or processing chemicals, and allow for an ability to use color contrast in the image.  Not only is digital x-ray technology a valuable resource for our doctors when communicating a specific treatment plan to parents, but the kids think their images are "really cool"!

Q: Why should my child see a pediatric dentist instead of a family dentist?

A: Pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty that focuses on the oral health of young people. Following the four years of dental school, a pediatric dentist has 2-3 years of additional specialty training in the unique needs of infants, children and adolescents, including those with special health needs. At Pediatric Dentistry of Lewisburg, our staff is committed to making your child's first dental experience an exciting and enjoyable experience. Our patients love playing video games and watching movies on the ceiling mounted flat screens during treatment!  Here at PDL, our atmosphere is made for toddlers up through graduation. Click here to see our brand new state-of-the art office with all the amenities of home in a professional setting. 

Q: Does your office treat children with special needs?

A: Absolutely!  Children with special needs are often susceptible to tooth decay, gum disease, or oral trauma. Others require medication or a diet that can be detrimental to their dental health. Other children have physical difficulty with effective dental habits at home. The good news is, dental disease is preventable and here at Pediatric Dentistry of Lewisburg, every effort is made to make your special child feel comfortable and safe during treatment. We will provide a custom treatment plan tailored to fit your child's needs. 

Q: Does your office provide monthly payment plans? 

A: We do not.  However, we do participate with CareCredit as an option for financing.  CareCredit is an interest free healthcare credit card designed for health and wellness needs. It is a way to pay for the costs of treatment and procedures which allows you to make convenient monthly payments with no interest.