Question 1

Why a pediatric dentist?

Accepted Answer

Has your child ever begged you not to leave the dentist? Impossible you say? Not at our office. It could be our gentle touch and special way with kids. Our pediatric specialists and staff love children and are specially trained to put them at ease. We teach your children the proper way to take care of their teeth and just as important, they learn that going to the dentist can be fun.

Question 2

Why are baby teeth so important?

Accepted Answer

Primary teeth are important because they help with proper chewing and eating, help in speech development, and add to an attractive appearance. A child who can chew easily, speak clearly, and smile confidently is a happier child. Healthy primary teeth allow normal development of the jaw bones and muscles, save space for the permanent teeth, and guide them into place. If a baby tooth is lost too soon, permanent teeth may come in crooked. Decayed baby teeth can cause pain, abscesses, infections, and can spread to the permanent teeth. Also, your child’s general health can be affected if diseased baby teeth aren’t treated. Remember, some primary molars are not replaced until age 10-14, so they must last for years.

Question 3

What dental problems could my child have?

Accepted Answer

Some dental problems begin very early in life. One concern is early childhood tooth decay, a serious condition caused by a child staying on the bottle (or breast) too long. Oral habits (such as digit sucking) should also be checked. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chances of preventing problems. Strong, healthy teeth help your child chew food easily, speak clearly, and feel good about his or her appearance.

Question 4

What is a pediatric dentist?

Accepted Answer

In the same way that pediatricians are trained to meet a child’s medical needs, our pediatric dental specialists are uniquely qualified to protect your child’s oral health using the most advanced techniques, and all in our delightfully friendly open treatment area. Pediatric dentists have an additional two to three years of training at university pediatric facilities in addition to four years of dental school and four years of college study. Some pediatric dentists (including all of ours) practice general dentistry before specializing, giving them a unique perspective. They learn how to deal with the behavioral aspects of children, how to make them feel comfortable, and to make the experience pleasant. They also are trained and qualified to treat special needs patients.

Question 5

What should I tell my child about their first dental visit?

Accepted Answer

We are asked this question many times. We suggest you prepare your child the same way that you would before their first haircut or trip to the shoe store. This will not be the frightening experience you may remember from your youth. If you are nervous about the trip, then the less you say the better. You cannot hide your anxiety from a child (they have radar for these things). We will send you an activity/coloring book before the appointment that will explain everything. Have fun going through it with your child. Your child’s reaction to his first visit to the dentist may surprise you. Click here to see a Youtube video of a real cleaning in our office!

Question 6

What about preventative pediatric dental care?

Accepted Answer

Tooth decay and children no longer have to go hand-in-hand. At our office, we are most concerned with all aspects of preventive care. We use the latest in sealant technology to protect your child’s teeth. Sealants are space-age plastics that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay-prone back teeth. This is just one of the ways we will set the foundation for your child’s lifetime of good oral health.

Question 7

What insurances do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept most dental PPO plans and have flexible financing options available.

Question 8

What should I do if I have a dental emergency?

Accepted Answer

Dental emergencies can be distressing and worrisome. Knowing what types of injuries can help to avoid unnecessary emergency room visits. Dental emergencies can include facial trauma that damages the structure of the teeth or jaw, loss of a permanent tooth, severe tooth pain, or signs of infection. Our teams are available day or night to assist our patients needs. We have pediatric dentists and staff on call to better serve all existing patients during a time of emergency while the office is closed.

Question 9

Does your practice accommodate patients with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Different children have different dental needs. If you have a special needs child, we offer unique care for unique kids. Whether the concern is anxiety or emotional distress, physical disability, or special problems that require dental attention, such as cleft palate, our pediatric dentists have the ability to provide special needs dental treatment at our offices and the hospital, providing the flexibility that special needs children need from their dental care.

Cumberland Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Columbia

Business Details

About

Location

Hours

Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions About Cumberland Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Columbia