At Pediatric Smiles, your child’s healthy, happy smile is our top priority! Our friendly team of pediatric dental experts provides exceptional care for infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special needs. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, we offer comprehensive services, including cleanings, emergency treatments, orthodontics, and more. We are proud to have created a fun, nurturing environment where kids feel safe and cared for — because a positive dental experience leads to a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Our Dental Services
Don’t wait – book an appointment today with our team of dental experts and experience the difference in compassionate, kid-friendly care designed to keep your child smiling brightly for years to come!
A pediatric dentist completes an additional two to three years of specialized training after dental school, focusing on the oral health of children from infancy through their teenage years. Very young children, pre-teens, and teenagers all require different approaches to managing their behavior, guiding their dental growth and development, and preventing future dental problems. A practice specializing in pediatric dentistry, like Pediatric Smiles, is best qualified to meet these needs.
Our office, as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recommends that your child has a “first visit by the time they have their first tooth or their first birthday, whichever comes first.” You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and stress-free. Your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and their staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions. Keep it low-key and positive. It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as needle, pull, drill, or hurt. During the appointment, we use words that convey the same message but are pleasant and non-frightening to your child.
It is very important to maintain the health of the primary teeth. Neglected cavities can and frequently do lead to problems which affect developing permanent teeth. Primary teeth, or baby teeth are important for (1) proper chewing and eating, (2) providing space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position, and (3) permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. Primary teeth also affect the development of speech and add to an attractive appearance. While the front 4 teeth last until 6-7 years of age, the back teeth (cuspids and molars) aren’t replaced until age 10-13.
Radiographs (X-Rays) are a vital and necessary part of your child’s dental diagnostic process. Without them, certain dental conditions can and will be missed. Radiographs detect much more than cavities. For example, radiographs may be needed to survey erupting teeth, diagnose bone diseases, evaluate the results of an injury, or plan orthodontic treatment. Radiographs allow dentists to diagnose and treat health conditions that cannot be detected during a clinical examination. If dental problems are found and treated early, dental care is more comfortable for your child and more affordable for you. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends radiographs and examinations every six months for children with a high risk of tooth decay.
On average, most pediatric dentists request radiographs approximately once a year. Approximately every 3 years it is a good idea to obtain a complete set of radiographs, either a panoramic and bitewings or periapicals and bitewings. Pediatric dentists are particularly careful to minimize the exposure of their patients to radiation. With contemporary safeguards, the amount of radiation received in a dental X-ray examination is extremely small. The risk is negligible. In fact, the dental radiographs represent a far smaller risk than an undetected and untreated dental problem. Lead body aprons and shields will protect your child. Today’s equipment filters out unnecessary x-rays and restricts the x-ray beam to the area of interest. High-speed film and proper shielding assure that your child receives a minimal amount of radiation exposure.
