Family and children's dentistry
One dentist for the first tooth and the last crown.
Children from the first tooth, parents, teenagers with aligners, grandparents with a crown to check: one practice, one calendar, one morning if you want it.
We are general dentists who see children as part of family care. Where a child needs a pediatric specialist, we say so and refer.
- Children seen from the first tooth, by the first birthday
- Siblings and parents booked back to back in neighbouring rooms
- Rosa, a dental assistant for children's visits, sits with the nervous ones
- Sealants and fluoride explained once, priced in writing
- Teens, adults and grandparents by the same two dentists
Or call (207) 555-0164 Monday to Thursday 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, Friday 7:00 am to 1:00 pm
By age
How a child's visits change, from the first tooth to the first job.
The clinical words, once: a sealant is a thin coating painted onto the chewing surface of a back tooth to keep food out of the grooves. Fluoride is a mineral varnish that hardens enamel.
A look, a count, and a chat with Rosa
The first visit happens when the first tooth arrives, and by the first birthday. The child sits on a parent's lap. We count teeth, talk about bottles, thumbs and brushing, and nobody is asked to open wide for long.
20 minutesCleanings become real, slowly
Show-and-tell first: the mirror, the little brush, the chair that goes up. Cleanings and fluoride start when the child is ready, not on a schedule. Many parents book their own cleaning at the same time so the child watches first.
30 minutesAdult molars, sealants, mouthguards
The first adult molars arrive around six. We usually recommend sealants on them and put the fee in writing like anything else. Sports mouthguards are made here. Habits like nail biting and grinding get noticed.
40 minutesWisdom teeth, aligners and the honest conversation
We track wisdom teeth and refer to an oral surgeon when they need to come out. Clear aligners are discussed on the cosmetic page, with a frank view of what they will and will not do. Teens can be seen without a parent in the room if they prefer.
45 minutesThe Family Block, for children
Siblings next door, parents at the same hour.
Naomi books children in neighbouring rooms with the hygiene team, with a parent's cleaning in the room between or the room beside. A nervous child can watch an older sibling go first. A parent is never asked to sit in the waiting room for two hours and come back on Thursday.
One check-in, one conversation at the desk, and one written estimate covering everyone, if anything was found.
The 7:00 start means school-age children are usually back at school before the first bell.
What we do for children
The ordinary things, done well, by the same people.
Exams and cleanings
Every six months with the same hygienist. The full detail of a hygiene visit, including X-rays and the gum check, is on the cleanings and exams page.
Sealants and fluoride
Recommended for most children on the first adult molars, explained once and priced in writing before they are done.
Fillings when needed
Tooth-colored fillings by Dr. Marsh or Dr. Pelletier, with nitrous oxide (laughing gas, breathed through a small mask) available for anxious children and adults.
Sports mouthguards
Custom-fitted here for hockey, lacrosse, soccer and anything else with a ball or a stick.
Habits and growth
Thumbs, pacifiers, grinding and crowding get noticed and discussed early. Orthodontics is referred out; we tell you when it is time to ask.
When we refer
Children with complex medical needs, very young children who cannot be treated awake, and anything needing sedation beyond nitrous oxide are referred to a pediatric dental practice. We say so at the exam, not after.
Adults and grandparents
The same two dentists, all the way through.
Adults get the same hygienist every six months and the same written-estimate rule for anything found. Restorative work, from a filling to a crown to an implant crown, is explained on its own page.
Grandparents who want one dentist for the rest of their lives are welcome. Dentures, bridges and implant-supported restorations are done here, with implant placement itself referred to an oral surgeon.
Teens and adults asking about whitening, bonding, veneers or clear aligners get an honest conversation first; see the cosmetic page.
Not sure whether your child is ready, or whether we are the right fit? Call and ask Rosa. She will tell you honestly.
(207) 555-0164Monday to Thursday 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, Friday 7:00 am to 1:00 pm
Are you a pediatric practice?
No. We are general dentists who see children from the first tooth as part of family care, which suits most families. Children who need a pediatric specialist, for example for treatment under sedation, are referred, and we say so at the exam.
When should my child first see a dentist?
When the first tooth arrives, and by the first birthday. The first visit is short, on a parent's lap, and mostly a conversation about teeth, bottles and brushing.
What if my child is scared?
Rosa sits at child height and does show-and-tell before anything happens. Many parents book their own cleaning first so the child watches. We go at the child's pace; a first visit that is only a look and a count is still a success.
Do children need sealants?
Most children benefit from sealants on the first adult molars, which arrive around six, because the grooves are hard to brush. We recommend them case by case and put the fee in writing before they are done.
Can I be seen at the same time as my children?
Yes. That is the Family Block. Say how many people are coming and Naomi books everyone back to back in neighbouring rooms, with one check-in.
Next step
From the first tooth to the last crown. Tell us who is coming.
Naomi books the household back to back. The 7:00 start goes first, so ask early.
or call (207) 555-0164
Monday to Thursday 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, Friday 7:00 am to 1:00 pm