As the first dental office in Lone Tree, we are proud to see the patients who first visited us nearly 20 years ago bring their own children into our office. Meadows Dental Group by Espire is not like the typical pediatric dental office – we work hard to put both our young patients and their parents at ease.
Find out what sets Meadows Dental Group by Espire apart by calling 303-790-2323 today. We welcome patients as young as 3 from throughout the Lone Tree area, including Highlands Ranch, Centennial and more.
What You and Your Child Can Expect
The first time you bring your child to Meadows Dental Group by Espire is a “Happy Visit.” Our dentists and staff will get to know you and your child, without pushing any procedures.
Unlike pediatric dentists, we encourage parents to come back to the exam room with their child.
As family dentists, we want your family to feel comfortable coming to Meadows Dental Group by Espire. That’s why we believe in building your trust and educating you and your child.
We also focus on your child’s comfort. During the visit, your child will be able to:
- Enjoy cartoons or other programs on the ceiling-mounted TVs in our exam rooms
- Undergo only the treatments they allow our team to do, such as polishing, counting teeth or an exam
- Pick a toy out of a treasure chest when the appointment is over!
For children who accompany a parent to our office, we also have toys and a DVD player in our reception area. Kids can comfortably bide their time while mom and dad get their dental care.
What Sets Us Apart:
Children who have bad experiences at the dentist when they’re young can stay fearful long into adulthood. This can result in extreme negative consequences for oral health.
Meadows Dental Group by Espire recognizes the importance of getting kids comfortable with coming to the dentist. The “Happy Visit” described above is designed to do just that, but we recognize that some children need additional help relaxing.
Our dentists are skilled in sedation dentistry, and we can provide nitrous oxide to your child if he or she is struggling during an appointment. Often known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a mild sedative that doesn’t require needles. It’s safe, and it helps many kids who are scared get comfortable.
Pediatric dental sedation can be especially helpful if your child suffers some injury to the teeth, gums or mouth. We see kids as young as 2 in dental emergencies such as:
- Chipped, cracked or broken tooth
- Damage to both baby teeth and permanent teeth should be treated as a dental emergency
- Object caught in between teeth
- Damage to brackets or wires for children who have braces
- Sports injury
Lone Tree is an active community. We love to cheer on our local Jaguars, Raiders and other teams, but we know that contact sports pose a risk to oral health. That’s why Meadows Dental Group by Espire is proud to provide:
FAQs:
What is the best age to bring my child to the dentist?
Children should see their dentist by their first birthday or within 6 months of getting their first tooth. Our early childhood dental care is more child-led than most parents expect. We understand the significance of good dental experiences for young children and seek to first establish trust and comfort with our youngest patients. When you visit our Lone Tree office with your child, you are welcome to remain with them for their entire visit, during which our team engages in only what the child is comfortable allowing. This may include looking in their mouth, counting their teeth, or performing a gentle cleaning.
What Are the Benefits of Children’s Dentistry?
Some people think that baby teeth don’t require the same care as adult teeth because they fall out. However, that is not true. Primary teeth help children speak and chew. They also create a path for permanent teeth to erupt. Issues with baby teeth can have many repercussions.
That said, there are many different benefits of taking your child to the dentist for regular visits. These appointments help kids develop a positive attitude toward dental checkups. They also help them maintain good oral health, avoid painful issues, and set the stage for a lifetime of strong and healthy teeth.
Can All Dentists Work With Children?
General, family, and pediatric dentists all have the capacity to provide dental services to children. You may encounter age restrictions with some general and family dentists. Our dentists welcome children as young as three years old. We also provide adult and senior care. Members of our community appreciate the convenience of doing everything under one roof.
How Can I Prepare My Child for Their Dentist Appointment?
Our dentists understand that your child may be nervous about their first visit to our office. And we know that you might be nervous, too. That’s why we start with something we call a “Happy Visit.” Our goal is to ensure a positive dental experience without pushing procedures or treatments. This visit is a great time to meet our staff and get comfortable with our facility.
Before the visit, it’s a good idea to talk to your child about going to the dentist. Don’t use negative words. Instead, gently let them know that the dentist will do things like count and brush their teeth. While you’re at it, be sure to set a good example by brushing your teeth, flossing, and attending regular dental checkups. These steps can help your child feel more at ease.
When Should My Child Start Getting Dental X-Rays?
Dental X-rays allow our dentists to track tooth development and look for early signs of dental problems in children. Regular X-rays are also a great tool for detecting cavities and decay.
The right age for your child to start getting X-rays will depend on a dental exam and risk assessment. For example, we may recommend bitewing X-rays when their molars erupt. Similarly, we may suggest more frequent X-rays if your child is at high risk for dental disease.
Does My Child Need a Fluoride Treatment?
Cavities are the most common dental problem in children. Fluoride plays an important role in preventing cavities. It strengthens teeth and makes them more resistant to acid and decay.
Dentists often recommend fluoride treatments for children. They are fast and painless.
Is Thumb Sucking Bad for My Child’s Teeth?
Generally, thumb sucking is not problematic if it only lasts for a short period of time. Many kids will stop this self-soothing behavior on their own. However, long-term thumb sucking can have many negative effects on the teeth and mouth. Vigorous thumb sucking is worse than passive thumb sucking. It can cause bite issues, sensitivity, speech changes, changes to the shape of the jaw, and other problems. Our dentists can provide more information about thumb sucking.
What procedures can be performed in pediatric dentistry?
Ideally, pediatric dentistry is focused on prevention. The general dental visit may involve:
- An exam in which the dentist looks at all teeth and the gums.
- A routine cleaning in which plaque is removed and teeth are polished.
- Fluoride treatment or dental sealants to protect against tooth decay.
- X-rays as needed.
- Dental visits may also involve treatment for dental problems like cavities or infection. When children see their dentist routinely, the need for restorative care is much less likely. If necessary, the dentist may perform:
- Tooth colored fillings to repair cavities.
- Dental crown treatment if a tooth has been badly damaged.
- Pulp treatment, if a tooth has become severely infected.
- Extractions. Pulling a tooth is a last resort treatment for severely damaged teeth.
What can you do to accommodate a child who gets nervous?
Parents can do a lot to help their nervous child attend dental visits. Suggestions include:
- Begin pediatric dental visits early and with a friendly, knowledgeable dental office.
- Maintain continuity of care once dental visits begin. Do not wait longer than 6 months to see the dentist, as this can interrupt the trust the child has begun to build. It also allows too much time for dental problems to develop.
- Take care with the language that is used when discussing dental visits. Maintain a positive attitude.
- Discuss dental care as a routine part of life, just like seeing the pediatrician. When children see that parents trust in these visits, they are less likely to feel frightened.
- Practice dental visits at home with role playing.
- Depending on your child’s experiences at the dentist’s office, they may harbor some fear and anxiety before they get to us. Our team is committed to building better dental experiences for children of all ages. In addition to taking our time and explaining what we are doing during dental exams and cleanings, our team is also experienced in the use of nitrous oxide dental sedation. When necessary, this inhaled sedative can be administered to calm the patient’s nervous system before and during treatment.
How Often Should My Child See the Dentist?
Like adults, children should see their dentist every 6 months.These visits allow us to detect and treat dental problems early, before they cause pain and stress. Ideally, prophylactic dental care will prevent problems like cavities and lay the foundation for ongoing oral health. Children whose routine dental visits are limited to exams and cleanings are much less likely to develop fear of seeing the dentist.
When Will My Child Get Their Teeth?
Most teeth begin to erupt during infancy, between 6 and 12 months of age. A child usually has all of their baby teeth by age 3. Baby teeth typically begin to fall out around age 6 to make room for permanent teeth to grow in. What can I do to help with my child's teething? Babies can enter into their teething stage between 4 and 7 months of age. The emergence of baby teeth can be uncomfortable. The following may help ease the process:
- If teeth have not yet erupted, parents may massage the baby’s gums using a clean finger. Cooling the finger by inserting it in ice water can help soothe irritation.
- If teeth have begun to erupt through the gums or if the parent prefers, the infant may be given a soft, cool teething device to gnaw on. These devices should not be filled with fluid and should not be frozen.
- If the baby uses a pacifier, parents may provide one that has been cooled in the refrigerator.
- Infants may be given a soft washcloth that has been dampened, wrung out, and cooled in the refrigerator. Chewing on this cloth can soothe sore gums.
- If the infant has been introduced to solid foods, they may be given cooled pieces of fruit to eat.
- Parents may make popsicles using breastmilk or other substances that the child has begun eating.
- Teething gels do very little because they wash away quickly. If the child is extraordinarily fussy due to teething, a parent may give an appropriate oral medication as directed.
At what age do cavities begin to form?
According to The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, about 28 percent of 2-to 5-year-olds have cavities in primary teeth (baby teeth). Babies are not born with the bacteria that cause cavities. According to studies, they receive cavity-causing bacteria from their mothers. To prevent this, parents are advised to avoid sharing utensils with their young children. Cavities do not form overnight. It often takes months or years for a tooth to lose enough of its mineral content for a “hole” to form. How quickly a cavity forms depends on several factors, including the amount of acidity that exists in the mouth. Seeing the dentist early in a child’s life, soon after their teeth begin to emerge, can significantly reduce their risk of cavities. Additionally, early dental care sets a child up for long-term oral health.
Free athletic mouthguards to Rock Canyon High School football players and Regis Jesuit High School athletics
Meadows Dental Group by Espire strives to provide outstanding pediatric dentistry service that appeals to kids and puts parents at ease. Schedule a “Happy Visit” for your child or learn about treatments by calling 303-790-2323 today. We serve young patients throughout the Lone Tree area, including Highlands Ranch, Centennial and neighboring communities.
