FORT WAYNE PEDIATRIC DENTIST
Our Pediatric dentists will gently care for your children and provide dental care for the whole family.
Call (260) 264-8237 today for your appointment!
First-Time Patient?
We will work with most insurances to get your Consultation, Exam, x-rays, and Cleaning for no cost to you!
Who We Are
Our pediatric dentist office located in Fort Wayne, Indiana is a full-service practice that focuses on the comfort of your child and their oral health. Our team of dentists, and all of our staff are available to assist you in developing beautiful and healthy smiles for your child.
Fort Wayne families and children in the surrounding areas can get complete dental treatment. We provide the best possible care in a friendly environment and with the highest level of comfort. Our dedicated staff will take care of your child. Our goal is to promote healthy children’s teeth through preventive dentistry.
Schedule an appointment with our office to join our family of dentists!
We can all work together to create a foundation for healthy smiles and a happy life.
Our Pediatric Dentistry Services
Digital X-Rays
It is equally as important to use the best dental technology available as it is to stay up-to-date on new treatment methods. Our practice uses advanced digital X-ray technology to provide your child the best possible treatment.
Dental Sealants
Brushing can sometimes be too much, particularly when you have to reach hard-to-reach places in the child’s mouth. A toothbrush cannot reach the tiny cracks or grooves between teeth. These tiny cracks and grooves can lead to tooth decay if left untreated. Sealants provide extra protection for your child’s smile and prevent decay.
Tooth Extractions
Sometimes it’s necessary to take out a tooth. Sometimes a baby tooth may have long or misshapen roots, which prevents it from falling out properly. The tooth needs to be extracted to allow the permanent one to emerge. Sometimes, the decay of a tooth can be so severe that it is threatening surrounding teeth or jaws. A tooth may need to be removed if it is infected, has an orthodontic problem, or is a wisdom tooth.
Good Mouth and Tooth Hygiene
We have created videos to share the best brushing tips, based on the child’s age and behavior. These videos can help you better assist your child’s brushing, regardless of whether or not they are an infant, a “pre-cooperative”, or not quite a great helper, or if they are over 3 years old.
Exams & Cleanings
Your child’s oral health is vital to his or her overall well-being. Routine brushing and flossing are important, but it is also essential to visit the dentist to have your teeth cleaned and checked. American Dental Association suggests that children visit their dentist at least every six months. This will ensure that healthy teeth and beautiful smiles are maintained.
White Fillings
Dental fillings or traditional restoratives can be made from gold, composite, or porcelain. They are strong and durable, making them suitable for restorations that must resist extreme chewing forces such as those in the back of your mouth.
Crowns
Resin crowns are made of white resin, a moldable material that is used to repair teeth. They look just like natural teeth. We try to maintain their appearance by eating right and brushing regularly. While they may look similar to natural teeth, it is important that you keep in mind their fragility.
Space Keepers
This is a simple combination of wires and orthodontic bands that helps to maintain the proper alignment of back teeth. Space maintainers are needed depending on the child’s development and their dental skills. Space maintainers should be placed with good behavior. Good brushing is also important to ensure they are maintained after being installed. Each visit will include a space maintainer inspection and the removal of any that are not needed.
We are highly trained and ready to care for your loved ones!
Good Teeth For Life
Good oral hygiene is about maintaining your child’s smile and making sure they take care of their gums and teeth between appointments. We want to ensure that your child enjoys their visits and their smile lasts a lifetime. Our team will work closely with you to offer complete dental care and help you maintain your child’s smile at home using the best dental products.
Dental Cleanings and Check-ups
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important. Regular checkups are a key part of keeping your teeth healthy. The hygienist will perform regular dental checkups for you and your loved ones and check on the following:
- Check for problems you don’t see or feel
- Check for signs and symptoms of decay such as cavities
- Examine the gums and teeth for signs and symptoms of gingivitis
- Do a deep cleaning of your teeth, then rinse and polish
Every six months, you can visit the dentist with your child to have a conversation and get answers about any concerns you might have regarding your oral health. You can also learn about any new treatment options that might benefit your child’s smile.
Choosing the Best Toothpaste & Toothbrush
It is important that you choose the best products, from toothpaste to mouthwash to dental floss to toothbrushes. When you are looking for a toothbrush or toothpaste, make sure it has been approved and certified by the American Dental Association. You can ask your dentist to recommend certain products that you could use at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHEN SHOULD SHOULD I REQUEST A VISIT TO THE DENTIST FOR THE FIRST TIME FOR MY CHILD?
It is important that your child see a dentist immediately after he or she gets their first tooth. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that children see a dentist within six months of their first tooth eruption or one year, depending on when it occurs.
WHAT DISTINCTION DOES A PEDIATRIC DENTIST HAVE VERSUS OTHER DENTISTS?
Dental specialists, including pediatric dentists and orthodontists as well as oral surgeons, all start by attending dental school. They then go on to pursue additional training for several years. We have extensive experience treating children and babies during training in pediatric dentistry.
Our pediatric dentists love working with children and offer our knowledge and expertise on child development and behavior to every patient. Our office caters to children, so you will find our staff and our decorations and other activities all contribute to creating a comfortable and friendly environment.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY CHILD'S FIRST VISIT TO A DENTIST?
The initial visit is typically short and straightforward. We spend most of our time getting to know you and providing basic information regarding dental care. We will examine your child’s smile and assess his health. We may also check for potential issues with their jaw and gums. We may also do some cleaning if necessary.
You can also ask us questions about caring for your child’s teeth. We can provide materials with helpful tips that you can use at home.
WHAT CAN I DO TO PREPARE MY CHILD FOR THE FIRST DENTAL APPOINTMENT WITH THE DENTIST?
Positive attitude is the best way to prepare your child for their first appointment at our office. Your child can pick up on adult fears and react accordingly.
The website has photos of our office and the staff. Show them to your child. It’s important to maintain healthy gums and teeth. Our dentists can help you do this. Our staff is specially trained in dealing with anxiety and fears. They are able to make children feel at ease throughout treatment.
ARE DENTAL SELANTS NECESSARY FOR MY CHILD?
Sealants are used to cover teeth with fissures or pits that are hard to clean and thus susceptible to decay. Sealants are a simple and safe way for your child to avoid decay, particularly in the molars which can be difficult to reach.
MY CHILD LIKES TO PLAY SPORTS. HOW DO I PROTECT HIS/HER TEETH?
We recommend that children who are involved in contact sports, such as baseball or soccer, wear mouthguards. Ask us about customizing a mouthguard to fit your child’s needs.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CHILD SUCKS A THUMB?
As infants, a large number of children sucking their fingers or thumbs. Most children stop sucking their thumbs or fingers by four years of age and it does not cause any damage to the teeth. We can help you check if your child continues to suck after their permanent teeth come out, or is aggressive in sucking.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY CHILD VISIT THE DENTIST?
We recommend that you schedule checkups at least every six months. We may suggest more frequent appointments depending on your child’s oral health.
BABY TETH ARE NOT PERMANENT. WHY DO THEY REQUIRE SPECIAL CARE?
While they may not last as long, primary teeth are important for your child’s development. Primary teeth are essential for your child’s development. They help him or her speak, smile and chew correctly. These teeth also provide space for permanent teeth.
Too early or too badly damaged teeth can cause permanent damage to a child’s teeth. Your child’s oral health and health can have an impact on their overall health.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN MY BABY’S TEETH?
We recommend that you wash your baby’s gums every time he/she eats. You can begin using a toothbrush as soon as the first tooth is visible.
A small brush is best. A toothbrush for babies can be found at most local pharmacies.
WHAT AGES IS TOOTHPASTE RECOMMENDED FOR CLEANING CHILDREN'S TEETH?
After your child is able to brush their teeth properly, toothpaste can be used. For each clean, use a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste. This is about the size of one grain of rice.
After brushing, make sure your child rinses and then spits out the toothpaste. Too much fluoride toothpaste may cause tooth staining in children. Children are naturally inclined to chew toothpaste after brushing.
Brushing your child’s smile should be done until they are ready for the responsibility. This usually occurs around age 6 or 7.
WHAT CAUSES CAVITIES?
Some bacteria lives in the mouth. Acids are formed when bacteria comes in contact with sugary food left on the teeth from eating. Cavities are formed when acids attack the enamel of teeth.
Brushing your child’s smile should be done until they are ready for the responsibility. This usually occurs around age 6 or 7.
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY CHILD AVOID CAVITIES?
Fluoride toothpaste should be used at least two times a day to brush your child’s teeth. It is important to floss daily, as flossing can get into places between your teeth where brushing cannot.
Our office can help you get a fluoride supplement. This helps to strengthen tooth enamel and resist decay. Keep away from sugary drinks and snacks, as well as avoiding snacking.
Make sure to schedule regular visits so that we can examine your child’s smile and do professional cleanings.
WHAT AGE SHOULD I LET MY CHILD HAVE DENTAL X-RAYS?
We suggest that X-rays are taken around two to three years of age. Your child will be familiarized with the procedure by taking simple photos of their front upper and bottom teeth.
Regular (at minimum annually) X-rays should be taken once the back baby teeth are in contact. Six years old is the beginning of permanent teeth. X-rays can help to ensure that your child has healthy, well aligned teeth.
We may recommend X-rays at a younger age if your child is very susceptible to developing dental issues.
