First Visits
What To Expect At Your Child’s First Visit
Whether you’re new to the area or just new to Pediatric Dentistry of Beckley, we’d love to meet you and your family. Wondering what you can expect when you bring your little one in for their first visit? Let’s get into the details.
The Appointment Process
Exam
First, Dr. Southall will take X-rays and perform a comprehensive oral exam on your child. She will look for cavities, check on their oral development, and look for signs of any other dental health issues.
Cleaning
After your child’s exam and X-rays, Dr. Southall or one of our hygienists will scale, floss, and polish your child’s teeth. This keeps them bright and shiny and also removes bacteria-filled plaque and tartar that can lead to cavities.
Treatment Plan
After their exam and cleaning, Dr. Southall will develop a personalized treatment plan for your child. This will include their next six-month checkup, as well as any other necessary procedures based on her findings during your little one’s oral exam.
Schedule Their First Visit!
What To Bring To The Appointment
Ready for your little one’s first visit? For a stress-free appointment, make sure you bring everything your child needs:
✓ Dental insurance card
✓ Medical health history
✓ Valid form of ID
✓ Your child’s favorite toy or blanket
✓ List of any questions
How We Make Awesome Appointments Happen
Truly Tailored Care
We take the time to get to know you and your child. Dr. Southall and our team will learn about their likes, dislikes, brushing habits, diet, past dental experiences, and much more. This allows us to provide truly tailored care that meets your child’s unique needs.
Kid Tested, Parent Approved Office
Our office is cozy and welcoming, and lets both kids and their parents relax during visits with amenities like:
✓ Kids’ play area
✓ Comfy, private rooms
✓ TVs in operatories
Education-Focused Approach
When it comes to preventing cavities, education is key. Dr. Southall takes the time to explain important dental concepts to kids and their parents, too! By educating our patients about proper brushing techniques, a “tooth-healthy” diet, and other lifestyle habits, we set kids up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
We Exclusively Treat Kids
At Pediatric Dentistry of Beckley, we only treat kids. That includes infants, toddlers, older kids, pre-teens, and teenagers! Dr. Southall has years of special pediatric training, enabling her to provide the very best care for kids of all ages.
Laughing Gas Sedation
If your child is feeling nervous or anxious about an upcoming appointment, laughing gas sedation may be a great option. With laughing gas, your child can relax and get care with less stress. It wears off fast, too, so you can get them back to their normal routine right away.
How To Prepare Your Child For Their Dental Visit
Want your child to have a stress-free visit to Pediatric Dentistry of Beckley? Here are a few tips that will help you set yourself up for success.
Always Stay Positive
When talking about the dentist, use positive language. Avoid words like “shot” or “hurt.” Maintaining a good attitude will help your child feel better about their visit!
Brush As A Family
Brushing with your child lets you make sure they're using proper technique. It can be fun, too! You can sing songs, make goofy faces, and enjoy some family time.
Get Educated
There are tons of web pages, children’s books, and videos that help explain the basics of how dentistry works, and why dentists are important for kids. If your child understands dentistry a little bit more, they’ll be less nervous.
Play Pretend
Once your child knows a little bit about dentistry, you can roleplay! You can pretend to be their patient, and they can play the dentist. For even more fun and immersion, just grab a cheap set of play dental tools from Amazon!
Your Kids Deserve The Best Dental Care
Ready to take control of your child’s oral health?
Book their first visit now and set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.