At Chapel Hill Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we believe that access to high-quality dental care is important at every age and stage of life. This is why we are proud to treat patients of all ages including young children. Dr. Furgurson and his associates are very familiar with the dental care needs of children. We work to make them feel as comfortable as possible.
Preventive care, education, and conservative treatments are the main focus of our children’s dentistry program. Together, we work with parents to help them establish good dental health habits that will last them a lifetime for their children.
Children’s Dentistry Services in Chapel Hill
Our Chapel Hill pediatric office is proud to offer a complete menu of dental services for children as young as 3 including:
- Tooth cleaning
- Digital x-rays
- Dental sealants
- White fillings
- Tooth bonding
- Custom sports mouthguards
- Orthodontic consultations
- Wisdom tooth removal
These services allow us to monitor the development of your child’s dental structures and address minor issues before they develop into more costly dental concerns. Our goal is to always minimize the need for invasive procedures, especially for our younger patients. We will do everything we can to ensure that your child’s dental health is maintained so that they are at a decreased risk for tooth decay and gum disease development.
We recommend bringing your children in for regular oral health and wellness appointments at least once every six months for best results. A great way to keep up with this schedule is to tell our staff you would like to schedule your and your child’s appointments around the same time. This minimizes your time spent in the dentist office and ensures both you and your child are taken care of.
Preventing Tooth Decay in Children
A good oral health care routine, both at home and through regular dental care, is essential for preventing tooth decay. We recommend that your child begin visiting with use as soon as the primary teeth begin to erupt. These early visits enable young patients to become familiar with our dental office and provide the opportunity for our dentists and staff to spot any possible development concerns.
We take time with our pediatric dental patients to demonstrate good brushing techniques. We will educate them on the benefits of keeping their smiles healthy. Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood diseases. It is largely prevented with education, good daily oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and routine dental care.
Dr. Furgurson and Dr. White will look for early signs of bite problems and ask about myofunctional habits. These habits may include thumb sucking and tongue thrusting, that will affect your child’s oral development. Addressing dental concerns in children early on can often alleviate the need for more complex treatment later. Our comprehensive children’s dental services will keep a growing smile healthy and protected, establishing a stable oral foundation for lifelong dental health.
Pediatric Dentist FAQs
My child is nervous about visiting the dentist. What should I do?
The best way to prepare your child for a visit to the dentist is to explain to them what will happen. Always remain positive and reiterate that having healthy teeth is important to living a healthy life. There are many children’s books available that help explains what will need to be done during the appointment. We also encourage you to let your child bring a comfort item with them such as a blanket or stuff animal.
Can my child use sedation dentistry?
Yes, for our most anxious patients, we offer sedation dentistry options. Our sedation dentistry options are perfectly safe for children. Dental sedation is a great solution to keep them calm and comfortable throughout the duration of their dental procedures. Talk with the dentist about incorporating a sedation dentistry option into your child’s treatment plan.
When should my child get dental sealants?
Dental sealants are an important part of protecting your child’s teeth in the long run. Sealants are placed on the permanent molars once they have fully erupted. The first set of molars typically erupt between the ages of 5-7. At that time, we will apply the sealants and then wait to apply the second round of sealants when the next set of molars come in. This is typically between the ages of 11-14.
What are the most common dental procedures in pediatrics?
The most common pediatric dental procedures include fillings, x-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatment, and extractions. Pediatric dentists can also recommend orthodontists if they believe that your child may have alignment issues.
How often should my child see a pediatric dentist?
We recommend that children see their dentist every 6 months. This ensures that a pediatric dentist checks and monitors your child’s oral health regularly. It also allows for us to catch any issues before they have time to develop.
How long should a child go to a pediatric dentist?
Most children go to a pediatric dentist from the time they are 6 months old until they reach their teenage years. It is not uncommon for children to see a pediatric dentist until they reach adulthood. However, many parents choose to switch their children’s dentist once they turn 12 or 13.