The first appointment that a child has with a kid-friendly dentist may involve a friendly chat to get to know one another, non-invasive dental X-rays, and a recommended treatment plan. If there are no oral health concerns, then the dentist can provide preventive services such as dental cleanings and educate the child and their parents on how to keep a clean smile at home.
Many children have some natural anxiety ahead of their first dental visit. After all, it is an entirely new experience for them. However, parents can calm their child’s nerves by explaining to them what they can expect and by choosing a dentist that has a reputation of being “kid-friendly.”
The first thing that often happens during a consultation is a quick chat with a dentist. This gives the patient and the dentist a chance to get to know one another. The parent or child is more than welcome to ask any questions during this time or express any concerns they may have about treatment.
Most kid-friendly dentists recommend dental X-rays on the first visit. This is very important for diagnosing any oral health concerns the child has and serves as a guide for future visits and treatments. The dental X-rays are non-invasive and needed in order to see the interior portions of the oral cavity.
An oral examination involves looking at the patient’s mouth to determine if there are any visible health concerns. During an oral examination, the kid-friendly dentist checks for all kinds of oral health concerns, such as cavities, swollen gums, and impacted teeth. This along with the dental X-rays gives the dentist a good understanding of the child’s oral health.
At the end of the first appointment with a kid-friendly dentist, a treatment plan is put together to help the child achieve ideal oral health. Some patients do not have any oral health concerns that require treatment. In this case, a follow-up visit for a cleaning four to six months later is scheduled.
Before leaving the office, the dentist educates the parent and the child on how to practice good oral hygiene at home. They may also provide them with fluoride treatment and other forms of preventive care to reduce the risk of oral health concerns developing.
The last thing that a kid-friendly dentist will do is schedule a follow-up visit. Dentists recommend a check-up visit and cleaning every four to six months. Each follow-up visit is non-invasive and is used for preventive reasons. If any issues are detected, then they can recommend additional treatment.
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To learn more about the first appointment or to schedule a consultation, reach out to us by phone.
Request an appointment or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at 703-763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.
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