Pediatric Dentistry An Overview Greenwood, IN

Pediatric Dentistry is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. A pediatric dentist provides care for infants, children, and adolescents.

On the other hand, a family dentist is usually a general dentist who sees adults and children in one office. Patients in Indianapolis appreciate the convenience that Dr. Stevens provides for family dentistry in his Greenwood dentist office.

Our family dentist in Greenwood, Indiana Dr. Benjamin Stevens welcomes children to our Greenwood, IN family dental practice. Our dental care team understands the potential for your child’s hesitation and anxiety during these early visits and provides gentle and fun attentive care.

We encourage parents of young children to bring them along to their routine dental visits early on so the little one can easily see what happens at the dentist, and can begin to become familiar with our team and office.

Dr. Stevens recommends that your child’s first preventive care visit occur between 18 months and 2 years of age. At this age, we will start to monitor the growth and development of your child’s teeth and mouth. Dr. Stevens will screen for any developmental concerns allowing for early intervention.

A typical child’s visit with Dr. Stevens may involve:

  • Teeth cleaning
  • Fluoride treatment
  • Diagnostic x-rays
  • Dental caries (cavities) screening

“Brought two of my boys in for their annual check-up with Dr. Stevens. As usual the experience was great! The hygienist, Jessica, was so sweet and gentle and patient with the boys and made the experience much easier. Dr. Stevens…

Shannon

“Dr. Stevens and his staff are great.. I would highly recommend Beautiful Smiles.”

James

“Prompt Professional Friendly”

Susan

“My family have been patients of Dr. Stevens for many years. Dr. Stevens and his staff are very professional, courteous, and detailed in their work. A;eays pleased with the work done on my teeth.”

Keith H.

Pediatric Dentistry What to Expect

Children’s Dental Services Greenwood, Indiana

  • Preventive dental care: Twice per year visits to maintain oral health
  • Sealants: Dental sealants are generally recommended for permanent molars to help prevent tooth decay
  • Sports Mouthguards: Help reduce the chances of tooth loss or damage during contact sports with a custom-fitted mouthguard
  • Orthodontic referrals: Dr. Stevens works with several local orthodontists and can refer patients for consultations when deemed necessary

Tips For Your Family’s Oral Health:

  • Limit the frequency of meals and snacks
  • Encourage brushing, flossing, and rinsing
  • Avoid sugary drinks and sodas
  • Avoid giving your child sticky foods
  • Make treats part of meals
  • Choose nutritious snacks

Promoting good oral hygiene and healthy habits is very important and should be established at a young age. We take the time to instruct parents and children on correct brushing and flossing techniques to enable them to enjoy excellent dental health for a lifetime.

Stopping Dental Fear Early

Many people suffer from a fear of the dentist. It can come from various things. However, taking your child to the dentist can help prevent this from becoming a concern. We do our best to ensure that your child has a good relationship with the dentist and no bad memories in the dentist office. It’s important that they know they’re welcome at the office and that they have nothing to fear.

To start, we keep them at ease and explain what we’ll be doing. We don’t want them to be startled and not prepared. You’re welcome to sit with your child throughout their appointment so that they have a familiar face in the room. We also encourage them to watch you get your dental care so that they know it’s nothing to be scared of.

We believe in patient education, and this includes children. We’ll explain to both of you the best way to clean your child’s teeth and ensure they’re taking the best care of their oral health. It’s important that your child is invested in the health of their mouth so that they know just how crucial it is. Diet recommendations and dental sealants can also be tools to help their oral health.

Monitoring Dental Changes

Children’s mouths go through many changes as they age and develop. Ensuring they regularly go to the dentist allows for early intervention as we can notice changes in their early stages. Younger children are prone to cavities, with sugary diets and less adept oral healthcare skills. Regular monitoring helps us catch these early, so treatment can be minimally invasive.

Into the tweens and teens, the adult teeth will fully come in. Orthodontic issues should be corrected before the mouth has fully formed. Invisalign treatment works in adulthood, but more severe problems need to be taken care of earlier. If we notice signs that your child may need more orthodontic assistance, we can refer them to a trusted orthodontist.

Into the teens and early twenties, wisdom teeth become an issue. We want to catch them before they cause crooked teeth and cramped mouths. In most instances, we recommend wisdom tooth removal. Many times our mouths aren’t big enough for this extra set of molars.

Pediatric Dentistry FAQs

At what age should my child first visit the dentist?
The American Dental Association and Dr. Stevens recommend that parents bring their child to the dentist at the sign of their first tooth or by the age of 1.
When should my child start brushing their teeth?
As soon as teeth begin to emerge it is important to brush your child’s teeth. Our dental care team will work with you and your children to teach productive brushing techniques during changing oral stages.
Does Beautiful Smiles offer sports mouth guards for children athletes?
Yes. Beautiful Smiles of Greenwood, IN offers custom-fit sports mouthguards for children and adults. We will take a mold of the patient’s mouth and create a mouthguard that will fit snugly and comfortably in their mouth.
Are dental x-rays safe for children?
Dental x-rays are safe and necessary for diagnosing dental issues that may not be visible to the naked eye, such as cavities between teeth or problems with tooth development. Pediatric dentists use appropriate safety measures, such as lead aprons and high-speed film, to minimize radiation exposure and ensure that children are kept safe and free of harm.
How can a pediatric dentist help with dental anxiety in children?
Pediatric dentists are experienced in managing dental anxiety in children. In our office we create a child-friendly and welcoming environment, use age-appropriate communication techniques, and offer techniques like nitrous oxide or sedation dentistry for more anxious children, ensuring a comfortable and positive dental experience.